Top 5 Historical Figures in World Civilization (from 3,000 BCE to 1500 CE) “In his book Letters on the English, Voltaire relates that during his stay in England, in 1726, he overheard some learned men discussing the question: who was the greatest man – Caesar, Alexander, Tamerlane, or Cromwell? One speaker maintained that Sir Isaac Newton was beyond a doubt the greatest man. Voltaire agreed with this judgment for, “It is to him who masters our minds by the force of truth, and not to those who enslave them by violence, that we owe our reverence.” Michael H. Hart, The 100, p 26. The term project for this course this semester will focus on constructing a ranked list of five of the most influential individuals who lived between 3,000 BCE and 1500 CE. Select only one individual from each century covered in this course. Individuals selected should be the most influent individuals of that century, supported by an analysis of the significant contributions that these individuals have made in the ways that they have shaped lives and transformed world civilization. Ground rules 1) Eligibility a. Only real persons are eligible for consideration. Mythological and legendary figures are automatically disqualified. 2) Anonymous persons are disqualified. a. Inventors of the wheel, fire, writing, etc. are excluded from consideration. 3) Influence a. Only individuals who have had influence on the course of world history are eligible for consideration. i. Neither fame, nor talent, nor nobility of character is the same thing as influence. ii. Influence is not always benevolent. Evil, sinister, and vile individuals have had an equal (if not greater) impact on world history as kind and humanitarian individuals. iii. Influence is not the same as importance. The ranked list of individuals should reflect who has the greater influence, not which one has greater importance. 1. For example, if you were to rank all of the American presidents by order of influence, which would you put first? Which would be last? Remember that influence is not the same as importance. 4) Only one (1) individual may be selected from each century. Centuries selected do not have to be sequential (i.e., 500 BCE, 400 BCE, 300 BCE, etc.) Structure Each historical figure will be arranged by the century they lived in and will be followed by a short synopsis that explains who they were (historical research), where they were located (historical geography), what their achievements were (historical research), and why you have believe they deserve to be more considered in influencing the course of human development in their century (historical analysis). The term paper must be submitted typed, double-spaced and between 1000 to 2500 words in length formatted in accordance with MLA guidelines. Papers shorter than 1000 words will not be accepted for credit. Papers should follow this format: 1) List of Individuals (in the centuries they lived) Include lifespan (birth and death) 2) Introduction Thesis statement -Define “influence” (Not just the word, but explain what unique characteristic these individual from your list share that makes them “influential”. This will create a more cohesive comparison that becomes the base for the thesis statement) 3) Body Analysis of Individuals (organized by individual) 4) Conclusion Out of all of these individuals, explain who you consider to be the most influential and support your justification. Compare and contrast individuals from you list, to fully support your conclusion. 5) Work Cited Be sure to include in-text citations! You are required to have at least 3 legitimate scholarly sources for each individual in your ranked list. Of these sources, only one may be an Internet source. Due: July 16, 2017 Final Project Rubric: Content and Development 60 Points Points Earned xx/60 Additional Comments: All key elements of the assignment are covered in a substantive way: 30/30 o List of historical figures o Synopsis of each historical figure focusing on the following elements: • Who the individual was • Geographical location • Achievements • Justification The content is comprehensive, accurate, and persuasive. 5/5 The paper develops a central theme or idea directed toward the appropriate audience. 5/5 The paper links theory to relevant examples and uses the vocabulary of the theory correctly. 5/5 Major points are stated clearly, are organized logically, and are supported by specific details, examples, or analysis. 5/5 The introduction provides sufficient background on the topic and previews major points. 5/5 The conclusion is logical, flows from the body of the paper, and reviews the major points. 5/5 Readability and Style 20 Points Points Earned xx/20 Additional Comments: Paragraph transitions are present, logical, and maintain the flow throughout the paper. 4/4 The tone is appropriate to the content and assignment. 4/4 Sentences are complete, clear, and concise. 4/4 Sentences are well constructed, strong, and varied. 4/4 Sentence transitions are present and maintain the flow of thought. 4/4 Mechanics 20 Points Points Earned xx/20 Additional Comments: The paper, including the title information, reference page, tables, and appendixes, follows MLA formatting guidelines. 4/4 Citations of original works within the body of the paper follow MLA guidelines. 4/4 The paper is laid out with effective use of headings, font styles, and white space. 4/4 Rules of grammar, usage, and punctuation are followed. 4/4 Spelling is correct. 4/4 Total 100 Points Points Earned xx/100 Overall Comments:
