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World Civilization I Professor Cieglo

Instructions and Questions for Take-Home Exam #2 (15 points) Due Thursday, March 28th by 11:59 PM on Blackboard

You are REQUIRED to attach your Exam in a Word document or PDF format Instructions for Take-Home Exams (READ CAREFULLY!):

• The take-home question should be typed in 12-pt font, double spaced, with standard margins. Attach your exam in Blackboard as a Word Document (.docx or .doc) or PDF (.pdf)

• Any information not taken from class or the course readings should be cited using MLA format. If you cite outside sources, you should only use reliable sources written by experts on the subject (no Wikipedia!) Not citing outside sources will be considered plagiarism and academic dishonesty.

• Information from the textbook and class lectures should be paraphrased in the student’s own words. Direct copying from the textbook or any other source word for word or by only changing minor wording will be considered plagiarism and academic dishonesty.

• Plagiarism and academic dishonesty result in an “F” grade (0 points) for the entire exam. • I will grade exactly what you turn in, so be sure to DOUBLE CHECK your file and file name

before attaching. DO NOT open your file once it is attached in Blackboard.

Questions for Take-Home Exam #2:

• Minimum 150 words per question, although longer is suggested for questions 1 and 2. • For Questions 1 and 2, your answers should be 2-3 paragraphs long and be supported with

specific historical examples. Each paragraph should have a topic sentence, evidence, and analysis. • For Question 3, your answer should be 1-2 paragraphs long. Each paragraph should have a topic

sentence, evidence, and analysis.

1) Select EITHER a) The Kush/Meroe (c. 1500 BCE to c. 340 CE) OR b) the Persian Empire (549 to 331 BCE). Explain how (if at all) the HANDY study thesis applies to the fall of the empire you selected and if there were other factors involved in the fall not covered by the HANDY thesis.

2) Select EITHER a) The Western Roman Empire (509 BCE to 476 CE,) OR b) The Han Dynasty (206 BCE to 220 CE.) Explain how (if at all) the HANDY study thesis applies to the fall of the empire you selected and if there were other factors involved in the fall not covered by the HANDY thesis.

3) Based the on the two answers above would you modify the HANDY thesis to better explain the fall of empires? If so, how? Or, if you would not change the HANDY thesis, why would you not change it?

Summary of HANDY Thesis: In the 2014 Human and Nature Dynamics (HANDY) study led by Safa Motesharrei, the authors identify "the stretching of resources due to the strain placed on the ecological carrying capacity"; and "the economic stratification of society into Elites [rich] and Masses (or "Commoners") [poor]" as two crucial social features that play a central role in the collapse or fragmentation of civilizations. See the reading guide for a full summary of the study.

Note for Academic Support Center and Writing Center Tutors: Tutors may help students with understanding the class readings and materials, understanding the essay questions, with general tips on how to put together an essay, and point out errors in essay outlines or drafts. Tutors should not develop arguments, give answers, or create an outline for the student.