Keys to the Change & Continuity Over Time Essay

1. Keys to the Change & Continuity Over Time Essay

2. What is the CCOT essay? THE BASICS • An essay discussing characteristics that changed and stayed the same in a given region between two time periods. (Comparison essay, but across time rather than region). • The “Continuity and Change Over Time” • Requires an extensive knowledge of content. • Change & continuity over time essays require describing the chronological history of a place.

3. What is the CCOT essay? Basic Core Rubric • Thesis statement = 1pt • Addressing both changes & continuities = 2pt • Supporting the thesis with 4-6 Examples = 2pts • Analyzing the cause of change or continuity = 1pt • Using global historical context = 1pt *Notice 1-4 are the same points as the Comparative Essay rubric!

4. Required Element: Thesis • Restate location & time period boundaries. • Write a strong statement of 1 or more sentences in your intro. paragraph. • Minimum of two topics (one change and one continuity). Whenever possible add a third topic (usually changes are easier). Rule of 3.

5. Required Element: Thesis - examples • 2006 EXAM: Analyze the cultural and political changes and continuities in ONE of the following civilizations in the last centuries of the classical era. • India 300CE to 600 CE • China 100CE to 600 CE • Rome 100CE to 600 CE

6. Required Element: Thesis - examples • In the classical era between 100AD and 600AD, the Roman civilization experienced many political and cultural changes and continuities. The Roman government went from a republic to Empire dominance that crumbled in 476. But cultural aspects of the Roman Empire remained the same. • Between 100 CE and 600 CE, the Roman empire underwent a change in government as the empire collapsed due to corruption within. Also, the influence of Christianity increased greatly. However, the “Eastern Roman Empire”, the Byzantines, kept the culture going.

7. Required Element: Thesis - examples • 2003 EXAM: Describe and analyze the cultural, economic and political impact of Islam on ONE of the following regions between 1000 and 1750. Be sure to discuss continuities as well as changes. • West Africa • Europe • South Asia

8. Required Element: Thesis - examples • Between 1000 and 1750, Europe received many technological and political ideas from Islam, while Islam remained basically the same, as well as European opposition to Islam. • Between 1000 and 1750, European culture was impacted by Islam through the Crusades, which exposed Europeans to Islamic scientific knowledge, and the economy of Europe was stimulated by contact with Islamic societies. However, the political impact of Islam had little effect on Europe’s political system.

9. Evidence • Give multiple, specific examples to support thesis claims (requires that you know history) • Don’t be afraid to note exceptions to a trend! • Goal: Have goal of 3 supporting details or evidence per body ¶ • .

10. Required Element: Analyze Reason for Change or Continuity Be able to offer analysis as to WHY things change and WHY they stay the same Identify at least 1 cause of a change or continuity. Try to aim for the root or underlying theme driving the change taking place. Know the common triggers for change—they are often used in essays (trade, outside influence, political collapse…)

11. Global, Historical Context • Remember that changes & continuities in a particular region do not happen in a vacuum—they are connected to what is going on outside the region. (In other words, a change doesn’t only happen in a bubble or isolation.) • Identify at least 1 development in the broader world and connect it to your topic. What changes or events were taking place in other regions that were affecting and impacting the region being discussed.

13. Answer the Question • Read the question accurately & plan. • Identify your boundaries. • Identify at least 1 accurate change & 1 accurate continuity. • Establish a baseline before describing the changes that occur. • Outline the steps that lead to the change. • Establish an endpoint.

14. What is the CCOT essay? Steps to Answering the Question • Know how the essay is graded. Know your Rubric!!!! • Break down the question, time periods and locations. • What is going on where, when? • Remember the Rule of 3 (3 topics, 3 Examples) • Use solid paragraph structure

15. Step: #1 Know Rubric • Remember you must get all 7 core points before earning expanded points • Focus on 7 core points • Scored based on value-added= points are not deducted, they are only awarded for positive contributions

16. Step: #2 Understand Question • Read the question accurately & plan • Underline directive word= describe v. compare v. analyze v. evaluate v. to what extent • Establish boundaries for writing= time period & region • Recall prior knowledge= note any info that you remember within the boundaries • Analysis? • do not simply look at a situation simply at face value but look for connections between information • the recognition of patterns, relationships, or hidden meaning

17. Step: #3 Rule of 3 • 3 controlling ideas in thesis • 3 body paragraphs • 3 supporting details per paragraph • 3 examples of historical context – 1 per paragraph • 3 analysis or causes of change or continuity – 1 per paragraph

18. Step: #4 Paragraph Org • Topic sentence • Context • Baseline to Endpoint • Evidence (beginning, middle, end of period) • Cause of change/continuity • Global context of the change or continuity.

19. Finished Product – Formal Essay • There are requirements specific to AP, but keep in mind this is about becoming a good writer • Proper Organization & Accuracy • Introduction, 3 body ¶‘s, Conclusion • Use topic sentences • Restates thesis in conclusion • Proper Style & Conventions • Don’t EVER use I, me, you, or abbreviations • Aim for proper spelling and punctuation because errors can cloud your argument althought not points are taken away.

20. CCOT Question • Analyze continuities and changes in patterns of interactions along the Silk Roads from 200 B.C.E. to 1450 C.E.

21. Where to start? • What are the boundaries? • What topics do we have to talk about? Form 3 topics that fit into the required topic. • Start an Outline of Changes or Continuities from baseline to endpoint on each topic. • Form you thesis. • Begin your essay.

22. Outline