Choose ONE of the following three paper topics. Essays should be 4 pages (double spaced, Times New
Roman, 12 font), or between 1000-1200 words. Please make sure your footnotes are done correctly, by
consulting the examples at the end of this prompt.
Paper 2 is due in your TA’s Blackboard Assignments Portal at 11:59pm on Wednesday November 11.
- 1. Absolutism: Discuss how the Bishop Bossuet characterized and defined absolute rule, and how he
distinguished it from arbitrary rule. Then picking two monarchs, analyze the ways in which 1) one ruler
embodied absolutism, and how 2) one ruler tried, but failed to meet the standards of absolutism. Successful
papers will clearly define absolutism using the Bossuet text, then provide specific examples from the reigns,
policies, and events related to 2 rulers. You could also use the Locke to help set up the contrast between
absolutist and limited rule. - 2. Global expansion and trade: In the last few weeks, you have read several primary sources that detail the
relationship between a European country and a non-European empire. Choose TWO of these sources, and
compare the inter-imperial dynamics between them. For example, if you chose John Sobieski’s “Defeat of the
Ottoman Turks” and Chaumont’s “Embassy to Siam,” you should discuss the power relations between the
Turks and Holy Roman Empire, and between the Dutch, French and Southeast Asians. Who was powerful,
when? Which empires declined or rose? What evidence do you see in these texts to prove your argument?
Make sure to rely heavily on the primary sources, and use historical context from lecture and the textbook for
support. - 3. Enlightenment, Science: Scientists who wrote and experimented during the Scientific Revolution stressed
the importance of the scientific method and empiricism. They met fierce resistance from religious authorities.
Choose TWO of the primary sources from the Chapter 17 Source collection (Copernicus, Galilei, Newton), and
discuss the ways in which the scientists, despite pushback from popes and ecclesiastical leaders, believed
they were reconciling religious ideas with empirical science. How did they explain the relationship between
their scientific ideas and Biblical ones? How did they imagine science in support of religion?
Successful papers will include the following:
a. A clear introductory paragraph with an argument. The introduction should also state which sources you are
using to prove your argument.
b. Body paragraphs should be well-organized, and include primary textual evidence and analysis. This includes
quoted material with citations.
c. The paper should be well-revised and edited.
Statement on plagiarism:
If you take words from any source you must use quotation marks and acknowledge the source by proper
citation in your footnotes. Even when you use your own words but have taken an idea, an argument, or facts
from another source, you must use footnotes. Failure to use proper citation of other people’s words or ideas
can result in the disqualification of your paper and a zero grade.
Proper citations: footnote the following.
You do not need to use any outside sources except for class readings and lectures. Each time you quote, you
need to attribute that statement to a relevant source. Insert footnote, then use the various formats below.
10/22/2020 Order 328955814
https://admin.writerbay.com/orders_available?subcom=detailed&id=328955814 3/4
Selections from textbook:
Levack, “The Italian Renaissance and Beyond,” in Revel The West: Encounters and Transformations,
Combined Volume, 5e (2018). Accessed at
https://revel.pearson.com/#/courses/5d4851e9e4b0006047d5605c/player?
pageId=a286a674be6c8e69c7498cbaf138c54a00318f488-id_toc767.
Selections from documents:
(at the end of each document, the e-book provides a footnote for the document. Copy that information, then
copy the URL.)
Machiavelli, Niccolo. The Prince, Luigi Ricci, trans. (London: Grant Richards, 1903), pp. 36–43, 60–61.
Accessed at https://revel.pearson.com/#/courses/5d4851e9e4b0006047d5605c/player?
pageId=a1d758d95a7359d011994a09ebb028a2712d8b121