Fall of Empires
Final Paper Empire Comparison Essay Instructions: To demonstrate your understanding of world civilizations, your final essay will focus on the analysis of the rise and fall of empires/kingdoms throughout the time period in which we studied. Remember, this is NOT a summary of the events or the empire/kingdom, it is an analysis of the similarities and differences. Also, you will be making one last final connection to today’s society. For this assignment, pick an empire/kingdom from each group below and develop an essay addressing each of the following components:
1. Compare and contrast the development/creation of the empires/kingdoms. 2. Compare and contrast the decline/fall of the empires/kingdoms. 3. Explain which of the empires/kingdoms you choose had the greatest influence on our
society today. Make sure to provide examples of how this civilization can be seen in our society today.
Group 1 Group 2 Group 3
Babylonian Empire Tang Dynasty Ottoman Empire
Greek Empire Mongolian Empire Russian Empire
Roman Empire Ghanaian Kingdom British Empire
Egyptian Empire Holy Roman Empire Spanish Empire
Harappa Empire Anglo-Saxon Empire
Shang Dynasty Kingdom of the Franks
Kush Kingdom
Byzantine Empire
Your paper must be 4-5 pages and include a minimum of 5 sources. All work must be in APA format, including in-text citations and a reference list. If you have any specific questions, contact your instructor. Students: Be sure to read the criteria, by which your paper will be evaluated, before you write, and again after you write. The rubric that will be used for grading this assignment is located on the next page.
Unit 8: Empire Comparison Essay
HIS 101 – World Civilizations I
Evaluation Rubric for Empire Comparison Assignment
CRITERIA Deficient
Proficient Exemplary
Thesis
No thesis or unclear or incomplete and does not demonstrate an understanding of social studies concepts.
0-1 Point
Weak, inadequately developed, and marginally demonstrates an understanding of social studies concepts.
2-3 Points
Clear, well-developed, and demonstrates an understanding of social studies concepts.
4-5 Points
Supporting Evidence & Analysis for Development or Creation of Empires
Lacks specific, credible, and relevant support OR may include evidence without analysis between empires.
0-6 Points
Minimally supported with specific, credible, and relevant evidence. Provided minimal analysis between empires.
7-13 Points
Well supported with a broad spectrum of specific, credible, and relevant evidence. Analysis shows depth, multiple connections drawn between empires.
14-20 Points
Supporting Evidence & Analysis for Decline or
Fall of Empires
Lacks specific, credible, and relevant support OR may include evidence without analysis between empires.
0-6 Points
Minimally supported with specific, credible, and relevant evidence. Provided minimal analysis between empires.
7-13 Points
Well supported with a broad spectrum of specific, credible, and relevant evidence. Analysis shows depth, multiple connections drawn between empires.
14-20 Points
Supporting Evidence & Analysis for Empires with
Greatest Influence on Our Society
Today
Lacks specific, credible, and relevant support OR may include evidence without analysis between empires.
0-6 Points
Minimally supported with specific, credible, and relevant evidence. Provided minimal analysis between empires.
7-13 Points
Well supported with a broad spectrum of specific, credible, and relevant evidence. Analysis shows depth, multiple connections drawn between empires.
14-20 Points
Clear and Professional Writing and
Format
Errors impede professional presentation; guidelines not followed.
0-6 Points
Few errors that do not impede professional presentation.
7-13 Points
Writing and format is clear, professional, APA compliant, and error free.
14-20 Points
Total 85 Points
