Early Modern world history

The purpose of this assignment is to synthesize the research you have conducted and present it in the form of a traditional academic paper.

This assessment fulfills the following objectives:

MLO 3.2 Write a research paper on an early modern history topic. (CLOs 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5)

MLO 3.3 Reflect on the research process. (CLOs 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5)

Refer to the page for detailed information regarding CLO and MLO alignment to materials, activities and assessments.

Instructions & Requirements

Write a research paper based upon the research you have conducted on your topic of choice, drawing upon the previous activities and assignments you have completed in this part of the course.

The narrative portion of your research paper should be at least 1,000 words and include the following elements:

An introductory paragraph in which the research topic is clearly identified and the thesis is clearly stated.
Several body paragraphs that structure the paper and support the thesis statement.
Extensive use of historical information throughout the paper, drawn from various primary, secondary, and tertiary/reference sources and properly cited in Chicago style using footnotes.

The bibliography, properly formatted in Chicago style and submitted at the end of the paper at the top of the next clean page, should contain at least 10 sources. Note: please only use and cite sources that come directly from this course (e-textbook) and/or via the FSW Library webpage (databases, e-books, etc.). MY TOPIC

1. Research Topic

My research topic for this project is the Renaissance and its impact on European society during the early modern period (c. 13501600). The Renaissance was a major cultural and intellectual movement that marked Europes transition from the medieval world to more modern ways of thinking. It emphasized humanism, education, artistic expression, and scientific curiosity, reshaping how people understood themselves and the world around them.

2. Background Information

The Renaissance began in Italy, particularly in city-states such as Florence, Venice, and Rome, before spreading to Northern Europe. One of the key ideas of the Renaissance was humanism, which focused on the study of classical Greek and Roman texts and emphasized human potential, achievement, and reason. This shift encouraged education in subjects such as literature, history, philosophy, and the arts.

Major figures played an important role in shaping Renaissance culture. Artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo reflected Renaissance ideals through realistic art, anatomy studies, and architectural innovation. Thinkers such as Erasmus promoted humanist education and religious reform through scholarly writing. Wealthy patrons, including the Medici family, financially supported artists and scholars, allowing Renaissance ideas to flourish. The invention of the printing press also helped spread Renaissance knowledge more widely across Europe.

3. Key Sources of Information

This research will rely on a mix of primary, secondary, and tertiary sources. Primary sources include Renaissance writings, letters, and artworks produced during the period. Secondary sources consist of scholarly books and academic articles analyzing Renaissance society, culture, and intellectual developments. Tertiary sources, such as encyclopedias and reference databases, will provide background context and definitions of key terms.

4. Modes of Analysis

Multiple historical analysis methods will be used. Cause-and-effect analysis will explain how economic growth, trade, and classical learning led to the emergence of the Renaissance. Compare-and-contrast analysis will examine differences between the Italian Renaissance and the Northern Renaissance, particularly in religious themes and artistic focus. Change-over-time analysis will track Europes shift from medieval traditions to early modern ideas in education, art, and science.

5. Complex Research Question

How did Renaissance humanism influence cultural, educational, and artistic changes in Europe, and in what ways did these changes contribute to the development of early modern European society?

6. Thesis StatemENT The Renaissance fundamentally transformed European society by promoting humanist values that reshaped education, art, and intellectual life, ultimately laying the foundation for modern European culture and thought during the early modern period.

CITATIONS

(Chicago Style sample sources to recreate and export from NoodleTools)

Duiker, William J., and Jackson J. Spielvogel. World History. Boston: Cengage Learning, 2020.

Burke, Peter. The Italian Renaissance: Culture and Society in Italy. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2014.

Da Vinci, Leonardo. The Notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci. Translated by Edward MacCurdy. New York: Dover Publications, 2008.

Erasmus. The Praise of Folly. Translated by Clarence H. Miller. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2003.

Gombrich, E. H. The Story of Art. London: Phaidon Press, 2006.

Hale, John R. The Civilization of Europe in the Renaissance. New York: Scribner, 1994.

Medici, Lorenzo de. Selected Letters and Poems. Florence: Renaissance Society Press, 2001.

Ruggiero, Guido. The Renaissance in Italy: A Social and Cultural History. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2015.

Spielvogel, Jackson J. Western Civilization. Boston: Cengage Learning, 2018.

Renaissance. Encyclopaedia Britannica. Accessed via Modern World History Database.

Tools

Microsoft Word.

NoodleTools for footnotes and bibliography.

Rubric

Research Paper (1)

Research Paper (1)
Criteria	Ratings	Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeOrganization & Content Development	35 to >32.0 ptsExceedsPaper exceeds 1,000 words, and establishes a clear framework of organization appropriate to the writing task and the thesis. Provides a thorough analysis of the proposed research topic and demonstrates a sophisticated ability to converse and engage with ideas presented in academic, scholarly texts.32 to >25.0 ptsMasteryPaper is at least 1,000 words in length and establishes a moderately clear framework of organization appropriate to the writing task and the thesis. Provides an analysis of the proposed research topic and demonstrates a good ability to converse and engage with ideas presented in academic, scholarly texts. 25 to >18.0 ptsNearThe paper may not reach 1,000 words, and it establishes only a limited framework of organization, which may lack clarity or relevance to the writing task and the thesis. May provide unclear or inadequate analysis of the proposed research topic. Demonstrates a limited ability to converse and engage with ideas presented in academic, scholarly texts.18 to >0.0 ptsBelowThe paper is significantly shorter than 1,000 words in length and does not establish a clear framework of organization appropriate to the writing task and the thesis. Demonstrates little to no ability to converse and engage with ideas presented in academic, scholarly texts.0 ptsNo Evidence	35 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeIntroduction & Thesis statement	10 to >9.0 ptsExceedsAn effective introduction of 4-6 sentences, along with a clear thesis statement.9 to >8.0 ptsMasteryA good introduction of 4-6 sentences that includes a thesis statement. 8 to >6.9 ptsNearAn introduction is provided that might not meet expectations; may lack a topic sentence or thesis statement.6.9 to >0.0 ptsBelowAn introduction may or may not be present, and a topic sentence and thesis statement is missing.0 ptsNo Evidence	10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeBibliography	25 to >22.0 ptsExceedsMore than 10 scholarly sources (e.g. the Duiker textbook and articles/chapters drawn from the FSW databases) were listed and cited in the paper. The Bibliography was formatted according to Chicago Style.22 to >18.0 ptsMasteryAt least 10 scholarly sources (e.g. the Duiker textbook and articles/chapters drawn from the FSW databases) were listed and cited in the paper. The Bibliography was formatted according to Chicago Style. 18 to >12.0 ptsNearLess than 10 scholarly sources (e.g. the Duiker textbook and articles/chapters drawn from the FSW databases) were listed and cited in the paper. The Bibliography was formatted according to Chicago Style.12 to >0.0 ptsBelowLess than 5 scholarly sources (e.g. the Duiker textbook and articles/chapters drawn from the FSW databases) were listed and cited in the paper. The Bibliography was formatted according to Chicago Style.0 ptsNo Evidence	25 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeIntegration of Sources	10 to >9.0 ptsExceedsThe work effectively integrates the students own ideas with those of others (e.g., primary and secondary sources culled from FSW’s databases), utilizing appropriate documentation, and identifying and avoiding plagiarism. All sources are correctly cited in a major Style guide, such as APA, Chicago, or MLA.9 to >7.0 ptsMasteryThe work integrates the students own ideas with those of others (e.g., primary and secondary sources culled from FSW’s databases), utilizing appropriate documentation, and identifying and avoiding plagiarism. All or most sources are cited in a major Style guide, such as APA, Chicago, or MLA, though errors might be present. 7 to >6.0 ptsNearThe work effectively integrates the students own ideas with those of others (e.g., primary and secondary sources culled from FSW’s databases), utilizing appropriate documentation, and identifying and avoiding plagiarism. Sources are not properly cited in a major Style guide, such as APA, Chicago, or MLA, and include significant errors.6 to >0.0 ptsBelowSources might not be adequately included, and/or sources are not cited in any recognizable Style format. Work does not integrate the students own ideas with those of others, including a lack of appropriate documentation, and/or may include intentional or unintentional plagiarism.0 ptsNo Evidence	10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeAcademic Writing & Mechanics	15 to >14.0 ptsExceedsDemonstrates exceptional command of grammar and syntax with no spelling or punctuation errors. A title page or header is included, citations are present, and a Bibliography is included.14 to >12.0 ptsMasteryDemonstrates solid awareness of grammar and mechanics with few errors in basic sentence structure, capitalization, or spelling. 12 to >10.0 ptsNearDemonstrates some awareness of grammar rules and mechanics, but several errors are noticeable in basic sentence structure, capitalization, or spelling.10 to >0.0 ptsBelowWriting contains excessive errors in basic sentence structure, capitalization, or spelling. Includes unclear sentence structure that results in loss of meaning.0 ptsNo Evidence	15 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeFormatting	5 to >4.0 ptsExceedsSubmitted in Word or Google Doc format, with a correctly formatted title page/header.4 to >3.0 ptsMasterySubmitted in Word or Google doc format, with a title page/header. Minor errors may be present. 3 to >2.0 ptsNearWork may be submitted in an unapproved format OR does not include a title page/header.2 to >0.0 ptsBelowWork is not submitted in an approved format AND does not include a title pager/header.0 ptsNo Evidence	5 pts

Requirements: 1000 WORDS

WRITE MY PAPER