His-120-01

World Civilizations II Term Paper Guidelines

1. Topic Selection

Choose a topic that explores a significant theme, event, or figure in world history from 1500 CE to the present. Your topic should reflect cross-cultural interactions, global developments, or comparative civilizations. Avoid overly broad topics; focus on a specific question or issue that allows for in-depth analysis.

2. Examples of Acceptable Topics

– The impact of European colonialism on indigenous societies in Africa or Asia
– The role of the Silk Road in cultural and economic exchange
– Comparative analysis of revolutions: French vs. Haitian
– The influence of Enlightenment thought on global political movements
– Industrialization and its global consequences
– Womens roles in nationalist movements in the 19th and 20th centuries
– The Cold Wars effect on non-aligned nations

3. Paper Format

– Length: 68 pages (not including bibliography)
– Font: Times New Roman, 12 pt
– Spacing: Double-spaced
– Margins: 1 inch on all sides
– Citation Style: Chicago (footnotes or endnotes) or MLA (in-text citations), as directed by your instructor
– Bibliography: Minimum of 5 scholarly sources (books, peer-reviewed articles, primary sources)

4. Research Support

– Use academic databases such as JSTOR, Project MUSE, or your college librarys catalog
– Wikipedia is not acceptable as a source, though it may be used for initial exploration
– Primary sources are encouraged and should be critically analyzed
– Consult with your instructor or librarian for help locating sources

5. Suggested Topics

– Global trade networks and their transformations (15001900)
– The spread of Islam in Southeast Asia
– The Atlantic slave trade and its legacy
– The Meiji Restoration and modernization in Japan
– Decolonization movements in Africa and Asia
– The global impact of World War I or II
– The rise of global feminism in the 20th century

6. Grading Rubric (100 Points Total)