Crusades Essay Guidelines

Crusades Essay Guidelines

Essentials:

New stuff:

1. After the quote, include a parenthetical reference to the document letter.

For example: Indeed, a European observer noted that wealth was easily had in the Middle East for “he who was poor [in Europe] finds now that God has made him rich [in the holy lands]” (Document J). While this account may be an example of propaganda meant to entice people to the holy lands…etc., etc.

1. Your quotes must come from at least four different documents in the packet. You must have at least six quotes overall. In addition, you may use quotes from secondary sources, such as the textbook or other books I have brought to class. All other sources need to be approved by me.
2. You must give the historical context for the quote. The documents cover a 100 year time span, so make sure that you give a short but clear explanation of the historical context for the quote (which Crusade, time period, or battle/ what specific event is being described, etc.)
3. You must analyze at least two of the sources for bias. Each document was written from a different perspective. You need to explain how the author’s religion, geography, background etc. influences what he has to say about the Crusades. You may need to explain “away” an author’s bias by using another source as backup, you may be able to use the bias as a way of reinforcing your point, or you may be able to use the bias as part of a jiu-jitsu.
4. You must imbed your quotes! (See above. The quote from Document J is imbedded. In fact, the imbedding gives the perspective and the context for the quote!)

Same as the last essay:

1. The essay must be at least five paragraphs, however you may choose to write more.
2. You must anticipate counter arguments to your argument. You may write a paragraph specifically refuting other perspectives (a jiu-jitsu) and/or you may do so throughout your essay. You probably want to do both. The more you refute the opposing arguments, the stronger your essay will be.

Mechanics

1. Refrain from using the word “I”, “thing”, or “it” whenever possible.
2. Avoid vague pronouns. If you use the word “this”, “that”, or “they” make sure it is crystal clear who or what that pronoun refers to.
3. Avoid slang and informal language such as the word (ex. “guys”, “kind of”, “stuff”, “okay”, etc.)
4. Do not abuse the thesaurus. Only use a sophisticated word if you truly understand that word and know that you are using that word in the correct context.
5. The use of the phrases “I believe” and “I think” are generally redundant and weaken the argument. Other phrases that weaken the argument are “This quote says”. Instead say “Here, the author argues that”, “In other words”, etc.
6. Avoid contractions (can’t, won’t) when writing formal essays.
7. The use of the second person (“you”) is tricky and will usually get a writer of formal essays into trouble!
8. The paper should be in MLA format. (Times New Roman 12 pt. font, one-inch margins, etc.)

Essay Skeleton:

Introduction:

Opener/Hook (Something to catch the reader’s attention):

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Thesis (One sentence long)

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Roadmap (One or two sentences describing how you will prove your thesis, should conform to the order of your paragraphs). ______

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Jiu-Jitsu paragraph (Body paragraph 1) (May go anywhere in your essay where it makes sense. You can do more than one jiu-jitsu paragraph if you like!)

Topic sentence(s) (Lays out the argument that an opposition would make and asserts what you think is the correct interpretation…i.e. “Some people may believe ______but upon further analysis this view is clearly misinformed. In fact, ______.”)

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Quote (This might be a quote that another side would use to justify their argument):

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Analysis (Describes why the quote could be used by the opposition. You may want to start discussingwhy the opposition’s interpretation is wrong.)

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Quote (That demonstrates why you are indeed right in your analysis. May or may not be from the same source.)

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Analysis (Further explanation on why the last quote proves you are right and others are wrong.)

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Concluding Sentence (Restates your belief while attacking the other perspective.)

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Body paragraph two (Standard paragraph)

Topic Sentence (mini-thesis- another argument you are making to prove your thesis)

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Quote

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Analysis

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Quote (Preferably from a different source from your first quote)

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Analysis

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Concluding Sentence (can tie your argument back to your thesis, link this paragraph to the next paragraph, etc. A concluding sentence is not always necessary if you feel that is just going to be repetitive or awkward.)

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Body paragraph three (Another standard paragraph- make sure your body paragraphs don’t repeat the same arguments!)

Topic sentence (mini-thesis)

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Quote (preferably from a third source)

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Analysis

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Quote (preferably from a fourth source)

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Analysis

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Concluding Sentence

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Conclusion

Summary of what you have argued

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Extension (The purpose of the extension is to show why your argument and the Crusades are important to the world. It may connect your argument to current events, your own life, other historical events, etc.)

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