World History West Project

The Renaissance, Reformation, and Scientific Revolution

We are now in the middle of our unit on the Renaissance, Reformation and Scientific Revolution. In order to gain a better understanding of these periods, we are going to complete a project that takes an in-depth look at a key figure from one of these time periods.

You will choose a particular figure form this era and create a biography of this person. The biography will consist of two distinct parts:

Part One: Written

You will write a short paper on your figure. Be sure to include the following:

  1. Their background information.
  2. What field they are in (monarch, artist, scientist, etc.)?
  3. Why they are a significant figure in the time period?
  4. What significant events did they influence/take part in?

And/Or

What significant contributions/advancements are they responsible for?

The essay must be typed, double-spaced and use MLA format (including in-text citations and bibliography). It must be in actual essay format—do not just answer the four questions individually. In should be no less than two pages, but no more than four. You must use at least three distinct sources other than the textbook. One source must be a book!

Part Two: Visual

You will create a visual that represents your person. It is up to you to decide how you would to create this. However, some examples could be…

  1. A map depicting any major changes to the face of Europe as a result of the figure’s actions.
  2. A collage of images that represent key actions taken by or works created by the figure.
  3. An image depicting a key advancement/development made by the individual (demonstration of new artistic technique or scientific experiment, etc.)

There are many other possibilities; it is entirely up to you to decide how you will create this visual. Please run all ideas by me first.

You may work either individually or with one partner. If you work with a partner your paper must be no less than three full pages.

DUE DATE: Tuesday January 20th

KeyFigures:

Machiavelli

Lorenzo de Medici

Michelangelo

Leonardo

Donatello

Raphael

Erasmus

Sir Thomas more

Johann Guttenberg

Albrecht Durer

Martin Luther

Charles V (Holy Roman Emperor)

John Calvin

Henry VIII

Nicolaus Copernicus

Galileo

Johannes Kepler

Rene Descartes

Francis Bacon

Isaac Newton

Queen Elizabeth I