Early World Civilizations

Paper 1- Argumentative Essay on Ancient Religion

 

Question:  What was the role of the gods for people in the ancient world?

 

Purpose

Knowledge:

After doing this assignment you will have a clear idea of the role of the gods in the ancient world, and the complexity of the relationship of the religion to society, government, and culture in ancient world civilizations.

Skills:

After doing this assignment you should be able to:

• Synthesize multiple sources to concisely create an effective argument.
• Use evidence from both primary and secondary sources to prove your argument.
• Analyze material based on historical context.
• NOTE= remember this is a history course, not a literature course.
  

 

Task

1. Read the Epic of Gilgamesh.  (Primary source)
2. Read all the textbook readings through ancient India. (Secondary source)
3. Write an argumentative essay of no more than 700 words that answers the following question:

 

Based on your new found knowledge of the ancient world (Mesopotamia, Egypt, India) and using Gilgamesh:
 What was the role of the gods for people in the ancient world?

(You may take any stance you want, but your argument must be original and well proven.)

 

 Tips

• The book is evidence.  It should be used along with other evidence to prove your argument.   It is NOT the subject of the paper.
• Remember this is a history course, not a literature course.

Submission instructions/Requirements (Failure to follow any of these will result in grade deductions)

-Submit paper through  Canvas before the due date and time.

-Must be written/composed in Google docs.

-You must  use Footnotes for all information except that which comes from your own mind.

            + http://libguides.nvcc.edu/ChicagoTurabian

-Most follow the formatting outlined on the syllabus and Kinch’s Writing Guide.
-Required Format:     -12pt.  font /Arial / 1 in. margins / Double spaced

 

Criteria

You will be assessed on your ability to analyze the historical era to develop, set forth, and prove your argument using primary and secondary sources effectively.