Keys to the Change & Continuity Over Time Essay

What is the CCOT (or COT) 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).  Requires an extensive knowledge of content.  Change & continuity over time essays require describing the history of a place.

What is the CCOT essay? REQUIRED ELEMENTS 1. Thesis statement 2. Addressing both changes & continuities 3. Supporting the thesis 4. Analyzing the cause of change or continuity 5. Using global historical context Notice 1-4 are the same points as the Comparative Essay rubric!

Required Element: Thesis  Restate location & time period boundaries.  Write a strong statement of 1-2 sentences that falls at the end of your intro.  Minimum of two topics (one change and one continuity).  Whenever possible add a third topic (usually changes are easier).

Required Element: Answer the Question  Read the question accurately & plan.  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.

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

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.

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 Be sure to discuss continuities as well as changes. –West Africa –Europe –South Asia

Required Element: Thesis - examples  Between 100 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.

Required Element: Evidence  Give multiple, specific examples to support thesis claims (requires that you know history) –Don’t be afraid to note exceptions to a trend!  Have goal of 3 supporting details per body ¶  Be able to offer analysis as to WHY things change and WHY they stay the same.

Required Element: Analyze Reason for Change or Continuity  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…)

Required Element: 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.  Identify at least 1 development in the broader world and connect it to your topic.

What is the CCOT essay? Steps to Answering the Question 1. Know how the essay is graded 2. Break down the question 3. Remember the Rule of 3 4. Use solid paragraph structure

Step: #1 Know Rubric Notice:  Split rubric= 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

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

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

Step: #4 Paragraph Org  Topic sentence introducing grouping  Context  Baseline  Evidence (beginning, middle, end of period)  Cause of change/continuity

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 use I, me, you, or abbreviations –Aim for proper spelling and punctuation because errors can cloud your argument

CCOT – Your Life APWH/Pre-Dip Write an essay that: -Has a relevant thesis and supports that thesis with appropriate historical evidence. -Addresses all parts of the question. -Uses historical context to show change over time and/or continuities. -Analyzes the process of change over time and /or continuities Directions: You are to answer the following question. Analyze the changes and continuities in your life from elementary through high school. This weekend I would like you to begin the process of writing a CCOT essay by creating a timeline of your life with major events, changes and continuities that happened from your elementary years through your high school years. What changed? (clothing, school, where you lived) What stayed the same? Practice:Changes & Continuities in Life