Trace the Ideas of Western Civilization Research Assignment
Students will write a 1,000 word (approximately 3 pages) response on the following topic: Trace the ideas of Western Civilization from their origins in Greece to the Twentieth Century.
This is a standard research assignment and you may use MLA, APA, or Chicago style (footnotes). The assignment must be between 1,000 โ 1,250 words.
Requirements:
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A minimum of 3 sources (you can use more if you wish)
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No general encyclopedias or Wikipedia
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No webpages (any internet-related Journal articles found through the Library system are okay)
Formatting of the research:
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1 inch margins on all sides
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12 point Times New Roman font
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Double-spaced
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Page numbers in the top, right corner
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Ragged edge on the right (this is usually the default setting for Word)
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Place a word count at the end
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A Bibliography/Works Cited page with all of your sources properly cited
Rubric for the Research Assignment:
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For every 50 words below or above the requirement -5 points.
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For every 5 grammar/spelling errors -3 points.
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Only 2 sources -10 points. / Only 1 source -20 points. / No sources -40 points.
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For every formatting instruction not followed -3 points.
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Staying on topic – at the discretion of the Instructor.
Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!
Step 1: Understand the Task
You need to trace the development of Western Civilization ideas from ancient Greece through the 20th century. This is a historical research paper, not just a summaryโyou should connect how ideas evolved across time.
Step 2: Suggested Structure
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Introduction (150โ200 words):
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Introduce the concept of Western Civilization.
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State your thesis (e.g., how Greek philosophy, Roman law, Renaissance humanism, Enlightenment thought, and modern democracy shaped Western Civilization).
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Body (700โ800 words):
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Ancient Greece: Philosophy, democracy, and art as foundations.
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Rome: Law, governance, and spread of Greco-Roman culture.
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Middle Ages & Renaissance: Christianity, scholasticism, humanism.
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Enlightenment & Revolution: Rationalism, science, rights, and revolutions.
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19thโ20th Century: Industrialization, nationalism, liberalism, modern democracy.
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Connect each era to how earlier ideas influenced later developments.
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Conclusion (150โ200 words):
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Summarize the progression.
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Reflect on how Western Civilizationโs ideas remain relevant today.
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Step 3: Sources and Research
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Use at least 3 academic sources (journal articles, scholarly books, or library database materials).
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Avoid Wikipedia and general encyclopedias.
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Take notes while reading to organize evidence that supports your thesis.
Step 4: Formatting
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Use MLA, APA, or Chicago consistently.
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Word count: 1,000โ1,250.
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Include a title page (if required by citation style), word count, and bibliography.
Step 5: Final Checks
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Proofread for grammar/spelling.
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Verify formatting requirements (font, spacing, margins, page numbers).
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Cross-check rubric so you donโt lose easy points.
Remember! It’s just a sample. Our professional writers will write a unique paper for you.
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