World Civilizations - Spring 2009
Writing Assignment
In his satire, Candide, Voltaire’s character, Pangloss, sarcastically declared, “This is the best of all possible worlds,” as he saw the world crumbling all around him. In this unit, we have examined the intellectual, political, technological, and social shifts created by several revolutions that shook Europe from 1685 – 1885. You have also considered the causes and effects of these revolutions as well as why they are deemed revolutionary. Although Voltaire ridiculed the optimism that pervaded the early part of the 18th century, what did emerge from this time of revolutions was the feeling in Europe that they were making progress. For this essay, therefore, we ask you to consider whether these revolutions did indeed bring progress to Europe: were the outcomes “the best of all possible worlds”?
Your thesis will analyze the following essential question, as applied to the Enlightenment, French Revolution and Industrial Revolution.
To what extent were these revolutions progress?
Your essay will use the following structure to make your argument:
In your introduction, address the idea of progress: what is it? Be sure to also set the context – show why the place and time are essential to understanding the content of your essay. Finally, narrow down toward your thesis – which will answer the above question.
In your body paragraphs, evaluate each of the three revolutions in terms of progress. You may select which aspect of the revolution you’d like to consider, but be sure to show why this is an essential aspect to understanding. This is where you’ll want to consider how the notion of progress is measured differently for the three revolutions.
In your conclusion, please address the unintended consequences of progress, i.e. why was some of the progress negative? In addition, reexamine your thesis and leave the reader with some larger connection or question to ponder. This may also be a place to address Voltaire’s quote above.
This assessment is designed to help me understand what you learned about the revolutions in Europe. I will evaluate your essay on the following criteria:
Thesis is clear, concise, and specific (remember, this should be an opinion and an argument, and will answer the essential question)
Evidence to support your argument is detailed and specific; you will use textual evidence from at least three different primary sources – these will be properly cited*
Analysis is grounded in historical evidence and connects to your thesis statement
Argument incorporates vocabulary and events from reading assignments
Paragraphs are structurally sound and use effective, academic language
No mechanics errors – read your essay out loud before you make your final edits!
Effective introduction and conclusion that extend beyond the revolutions – why is this relevant to us today?
A works cited page that is properly formatted.* Please number your pages.
Pre-writing, writing and editing are carefully demonstrated.
*Please consult your Bedford Handbook to properly cite your sources. You may use either MLA (parentheticals) or Chicago style (footnotes or endnotes) – just be sure to be consistent throughout.
I urge you to look carefully at the rubric printed on the reverse of this page. Of course, this will be word-processed, double spaced, and 12 point font palatino. This essay should be 3-5 pages. I will not accept a paper over 5 pages – even a little bit! (and don’t try to shrink margins, font… )