Keys to the Change & Continuity Over Time Essay 2012-2013

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 Thesis statement Addressing both changes & continuities Supporting the thesis Analyzing the cause of change or continuity 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 1750. 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 Post-Class: Keys to the DBQ 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. CCOT is about process – NOT "snap shots" of how things were at the beginning and end of the time period without connections

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 Know how the essay is graded Break down the question Remember the Rule of 3 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

Post-Class: Keys to the DBQ Practice CCOT Options: Trace the CCOT in the standards of beauty in the last 500 years Trace the CCOT in your own life (a river flows from the mountains, through the forest, past the farms, into the city and out to sea.  How does the river change/stay the same?  You can't just talk about the mountains and the sea)