Each student is responsible for the completion of the essay assignment listed below. Essays must be based on the required textbook readings and supplementary materials included within this module. Do not use online materials other than any that are specifically assigned within this module.
Essays must be a minimum of 500 words in length (roughly two typed, double-spaced pages).
Essays must be double-spaced and written in your best professional style.
Essays must include citations. You may use whichever citation format you choose (MLA, APA, etc.—footnotes, endnotes, or parenthetical references are all acceptable forms of citation for this assignment).
This is a formal essay, and must include a thesis statement, introductory paragraph, and concluding paragraph.
Helpful Tips
The 500-word requirement is a minimum requirement. Essays can be as long as you would like. THE MORE COMPREHENSIVE, CONTENT-RICH AND DETAILED YOUR ANSWER THE BETTER YOUR GRADE WILL BE.
The question to be answered for the completion of this essay is intended to be broad enough that students can relatively easily reach the 500-word minimum requirement. Feel free to include as much information as you wish. No matter how much longer than 500 words, I always keep on reading and you keep on accumulating points.
For more information about the content expectations for this assignment go to Module 1, click on the “General Grading Rubric” link. This document will give you more detailed information about the expectations for Module Essays and Module Extra Credit Essays.
Please submit this assignment as an attachment in one of the following formats: doc, docx, rtf, pdf or wps. I cannot guarantee I will be able to open other file types.
During submission, you should also copy and paste your entire essay into the “message box.” That way, if I cannot open your attached file, I will still be able to read your essay. This may mess up your format—changing line spacing and paragraph spacing—but it will not count against your grade if this happens.
Before submitting your essay take a look at the “Essay Checklist” document in Module 1 to make sure you have met all the expectations for your essay.
When submitting your essay, take a look at the “Essay Submission Instructions” in Module 1.
Refer to the “Due Dates and Exam Periods Document” to build a schedule for submitting this and all other assignments.
Question to be Answered in your Essay for this Module
How and why did civilization develop in the ancient Near East? Essays should discuss the development of Near Eastern societies from the Old Stone Age (Paleolithic period), through the development of agriculture (Neolithic period), and during the rise of cities and empires (including such peoples as the Sumerians, Akkadians, Hittites, Assyrians, Babylonians, and Persians).