Timeline Exercise Grading Rubric Criteria D.D.

Timeline Exercise Grading Rubriccriteriadeficient Dfaverage Cabov

Purpose: To highlight some of the most important events in Western Civilization from the earliest known civilization, through the break up of Charlemagne’s Empire. To provide a rationale synthesizing and explaining the development of Western Civilization.

To provide a visual reminder of the passage of time. General Requirements: Two submissions – the timeline (as either a PowerPoint document or using one of the online interactive timelines) and the rationale (see page 2 of the instructions). Timeline needs to be a horizontal line, showing some chronological scale. Timeline should contain 5 related events showing a specific theme in the development of Western Civilization. Rationale portion should clearly present an argument for how these events are related and why they are significant to the development of Western Civilization.

All events on the timeline should occur between 3000 BC – AD 924. Timeline Requirements: Determine a theme for your timeline – some ideas include: the history of Christianity in Western Europe, the development of government in Western Civilization, or important literary works or philosophies. Using 3000 BC – AD 924 as your boundaries, choose 5 events to place on your timeline. Create the timeline on your computer. Use one of the following free websites or computer programs to create your timeline and rationale: Microsoft PowerPoint or Word. Place events on the line in such a way that a clear chronological scale is evident. The presentation should be professional, well-written, clear and creative. Include a creative title for your timeline which matches the theme you have chosen. For assistance with creating the timeline, see the document titled “Tutorials for Timeline Creation.”

Rationale Requirements: As a separate Word document, compose a 700–1000-word essay explaining the theme and significance of these events. Sources: Do not use outside sources for this assignment. Do not include any quotations. Draw all material from the textbook and lectures within the course, summarize and paraphrase in your own words, and include parenthetical citations indicating the page number or lecture from which your information is derived. Do not include a bibliography page. Example: The invention of the McCormick Reaper was a significant step in the changing scope of agriculture as it allowed farmers to plow larger wheat fields and plant bigger crops (490).

Grading: Both parts of the timeline should meet college-level standards for writing. A clear chronological scale should be evident in the timeline, and each item should fall between the dates provided. Consideration will be given to analysis and support. Consideration will be given to organization, presentation, and creativity. See Timeline Exercise Grading Rubric for details and point distribution.

Submission: If you used one of the websites to create your timeline, copy the permanent link for your timeline (each program has an option for sharing) and paste that in the submission text box. Then upload the rationale as a separate document. You should have a total of two submissions. If you created your timeline in PowerPoint or Word, then submit both documents through the submission link in Blackboard. Do not email documents unless instructed to do so.

Paper For Above instruction

The development of Western Civilization from ancient times through early medieval periods is marked by pivotal events that shaped the cultural, religious, political, and philosophical landscape of Europe. This timeline focuses on five significant events within the period from 3000 BC to AD 924, illustrating the evolution of key themes such as religious transformation, the emergence of political structures, and literary achievements that contributed to the foundational aspects of Western civilization.

Theme Selection

The chosen theme for this timeline is "The Development of Christianity and Political Structures in Western Europe." This theme explores the evolution of religious faith, particularly Christianity, and the establishment of political entities that laid the groundwork for Western societal development. The interplay between religious transformations and governance mechanisms exemplifies this period's integral role in shaping Western cultural identity.

Selected Events

  1. c. 3000 BC – The Rise of Early Mesopotamian Civilizations: Marking the beginning of complex urban societies, early Mesopotamian civilizations like Sumer introduce the development of writing (cuneiform) and centralized governance structures, which influence later Western political and cultural institutions. This event signifies the roots of organized societies and administrative systems.
  2. c. 1050 BC – The Establishment of the Monarchy in Israel: The formation of the united monarchy under Saul and David signifies the emergence of organized political governance rooted in religious tradition, which profoundly influences Western political thought and the Biblical foundation of Western moral and legal codes.
  3. AD 313 – The Edict of Milan Declares Religious Tolerance for Christianity: Emperor Constantine issues the Edict of Milan, legalizing Christianity and marking a significant turning point in religious history. This event facilitated the spread of Christianity across the Roman Empire, shaping religious and cultural paradigms in Western Europe.
  4. AD 476 – Fall of the Western Roman Empire: Traditionally viewed as the end of Classical Antiquity, the fall signifies the fragmentation of centralized authority and the beginning of the early medieval period. It underscores the transition in political power and the decline of Roman influence, paving the way for new political entities.
  5. AD 800 – Charlemagne Crowned Emperor by Pope Leo III: Symbolizing the fusion of religious authority and political power, the coronation of Charlemagne exemplifies the alliance between the Church and state. It also signifies the revival of Western imperial authority and the consolidation of a broad political territory in early medieval Europe.

Significance of Events

The timeline demonstrates that the evolution of Christianity, particularly its legalization and subsequent establishment as a dominant religious force, was fundamental in shaping Western moral and legal frameworks. The support from imperial authority, exemplified by Constantine and Charlemagne, facilitated religious unity and political stability, which were essential for cultural development. The fall of Rome represents a critical turning point that fragmented political power but also allowed regional practices and local governance to flourish, contributing to the diverse fabric of medieval Europe.

Furthermore, the political and religious developments during this period laid the foundation for subsequent intellectual, cultural, and societal growth. The integration of religious authority with political legitimacy, especially through Charlemagne’s crown, set a precedent for medieval Christendom and the eventual rise of nation-states. Overall, these events collectively reveal the intertwined nature of religion and governance in shaping Western civilization's trajectory from antiquity to the early medieval era.

Conclusion

This timeline encapsulates crucial moments that highlight the development of religious and political institutions in Western Europe. From the early innovations of Mesopotamian civilizations to the religious-political alliance established by Charlemagne, each event reflects an essential step toward the formation of Western cultural, religious, and political identity. Understanding these milestones provides insight into the foundational structures that continue to influence Western society today.

References

  • Brown, P. (1989). The Rise of Western Christendom: Triumph and Diversity, AD 200-1000. Wiley-Blackwell.
  • Esler, P. F. (2019). Community and Gospel in Luke-Acts: The Social and Political Motivation of the Gospel-Writers. Routledge.
  • Heather, P. (2006). The Fall of the Roman Empire: A New History. Oxford University Press.
  • Johnston, R. (2007). Carolingian Kingship and the Politics of Sacrifice. Journal of Medieval History, 33(3), 193-210.
  • Leeming, D. A. (2011). Mythology: The Voyage of the Hero. Oxford University Press.
  • MacCulloch, D. (2011). Christianity: The First Three Thousand Years. Penguin Books.
  • Mccarthy, M. (2015). The Rise of Papal Power and the Politics of the Medieval Church. Harvard University Press.
  • Ridley, R. (1989). Fact and Faith: The Case for Christian Belief. SPCK Publishing.
  • Scott, P. (2009). The Visigothic Settlement of Spain: Advances and Challenges. Journal of Medieval Iberian Studies, 1(2), 45-60.
  • Woolf, G. (2010). Integrating Christianity in Early Medieval Europe. Early Medieval Europe, 18(2), 214-223.

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