Ancient Egypt’s Religion

Purpose
Learners will write a research paper analyzing a historical topic covered in the course, demonstrating the
ability to locate sources, and clearly communicate an argument that analyzes complex historical questions.
Objectives
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a historically relevant topic/question
Demonstrate research skills by providing relevant information to support their interpretation and argument
of historical question
Details
Students will begin by selecting a topic of their choice covered during the course
Students will then develop an historically relevant question that analyzes various aspects of Western
Civilizations
Students will need to develop questions that address questions of how or why rather than factually
based questions, students want to an analytical essay and not a report
Students must then locate at least 10 sources (5 primary and 5 secondary) that will assist them in
answering their question(s)
Primary source material includes sources from the period being studied and can include, but are not
limited to: letters, histories, journals, paintings, architecture, sculpture, etc.
Acceptable secondary source material would include, but not limited to scholarly journal articles,
appropriate scholarly databases and websites (official museums and libraries), historical
documentaries that demonstrate rigorous scholarly research, etc.
Students should consult the assigned reader, online librarian, or instructor for assistance in obtaining
sources
Students will then write a formal 2500-3000-word analytical essay that presents a clear argument or thesis
that may be supported by secondary and primary sources
Essays should be submitted as a PDF or DOCX
Format should include Times New Roman 12-in font, standard margins, and double spaced
Proper citations should be used for all references made to sources along with a Works Cited page
using the Chicago style
Throughout the course students will submit a topic proposal following the instructions presented in Module
3
Students will also submit an annotated bibliography as instructed in Module 7
Grading
This assignment is worth 100 points and 25 percent of your overall final grade. When you have completed
your project, you will submit it here: Final Project: SUBMIT HERE
(https://learn.vccs.edu/courses/280708/assignments/5497103)
Rubric
Category Outstanding Very Good Average Poor
Thesis
Statement/Introduction
25 Points
Presents a strong
thesis statement
that clearly defines
essay’s purpose
Explanation is
engaging,
thoughtful,
thoroughly
develops the thesis
and meets length
requirements
Makes an
argument,
introducing a
thesis and defines
the essay’s
purpose,
introduces
supporting points,
but may not do so
in a clear
convincing
manner.
Makes a vague
argument,
introduces the
essay’s purpose,
but may introduce
more
background/factual
information than
analysis
No thesis
statement
No explanation
provided
Focus and
Organization
20 Points
All material clearly
related to the
thesis. Strong
organization and
integration of
material within
assertions. Strong
transitions linking
assertions and
thesis.
All material clearly
related to thesis
and logically
organized. Clear,
varied transitions
linking assertions
and thesis.
Most material
clearly related to
thesis. Material may
not be organized
within body
paragraphs.
Attempts to provide
a variety of
transitions.
Inadequate or
nonsensical
organization. Many
transitions are
unclear or nonexistent.
Supporting evidence
25 Points
Strong scholarly
research used to
support thesis.
Each assertion
contains two
pieces of
historicallyaccurate evidence.
All references are
properly cited.
Mostly scholarly
sources used to
support thesis.
Each assertion
contains two
pieces of
historicallyaccurate evidence.
References are
cited though may
contain an
occasional error.
Mostly scholarly
sources used to
support thesis. Most
assertions contain
two pieces of
historicallyaccurate evidence.
Not all references
are cited.
Few scholarly
sources used to
support the thesis.
Few assertions
contain two pieces
of historicallyaccurate evidence.
Lacks citations.
Conclusion
20 Points
Strong review of
key conclusions.
Strong integration
with thesis
statements.
Review of key
conclusions with
strong integration
with the thesis
statement.
Review of key
conclusions. Some
integration with
thesis statements.
Does not
summarize
evidence with
respect to thesis
statements.
Spelling, grammar,
syntax, paragraph
structure
10 Points
Proper spelling,
grammar, syntax
(sentence
structure).
Paragraphs are
well organized.
Generally good
spelling, grammar,
syntax, and
paragraph
structure, but with
a couple mistakes.
Generally readable,
but with some
mistakes. Grammar,
syntax, structure,
etc. can be
improved.
Unclear syntax,
spelling, grammar,
and/or paragraph
structure. Needs
improvement. See
Writing Center for
support.