Reformation Outlines: Due 9/24

A significant component of doing history is organizing clear ideas through writing. We are going to begin to address this skill set while using evidence and examples from the Reformation unit. With each unit of study you will be confronted with overarching thematic questions. The list on the back of your quiz represents this well. Many effective writers begin the challange of writing by composing an outline and thesis. As such when it is time to write they have a skeleton or blueprint. I am confident you have been taught this method. Here is what you need to do step by step for this blog posting.

1. Check to see what question you will be doing. Evan #1, Emily #3, Brittany #4, Ariel # 2, Ian#7, Callie #8, Kate #5 ( I chose these randomly)

2. Define a thesis...One to two sentences. What should a solid thesis look like? Remember not to inject presentism or personal emotions into the thesis. Take a look at the test taking strategy to the left of the essay questions. Also take a look at this link to refresh yourself of what an effective thesis might look like: http://www.indiana.edu/~wts/pamphlets/thesis_statement.shtml

With the question you are addressing lie buzz words that are usually verbs. They need to be the foundation of your thesis and how you answer the question. For example, "analyze" and "discuss". Or "compare and contrast".


3. Outline what a 5 paragraph might look like...Include specific example, proper nouns. This outline should be in the blog so that we may all review.


Outline of an Outline:

I. Thesis, and introduction of the topic (include time frames)

II. Body Paragraph 1. (body paragraphs should reveal specific evidence to prove your assertations)

III. Body Paragraph 2.

IV. Body Paragraph 3.

V. Closure. Revisit thesis...but do not add new material.

Again you are not writing the essay at this point...just framing an outline and thesis.

Dissecting European Art...Making Meaning of Art in the Renaissance

Part of studying history is making meaning of primary sources of a particular period. Moreover, artistic expression can indeed help bring a contemporary audience closer to understanding history. One of the powerful byproduct of art is that it typically reveals a "point of view". In other words how "they" saw and understood their own world. The handout that I gave you this morning is meant to provide us with a common framework with how to look at art for historical purposes.

In the blog you will note I have some websites bookmarked on the right. Open up "Art History Resources". Open that link and scroll down the left hand column. I would like you to pick one artwork from the Italian Ren...and one from "outside the Italian Ren.". Complete the handout. Be prepared to explain both of your works to the class using the prompts on the handout tomorrow 9/9. You do not need to respond to this blog prompt as it was only meant to provide you with instructions.
Happy birthday Emily.