One of the below three short essay questions will appear on your midterm exam. Your essay will consist of 3-5 paragraphs (there is no minimum or maximum word count). This is a closed-book exam, however, you may use one sheet of paper (A4 size cut in half) with notes/outlines on one side only during exam.
- The Ottoman Constitution of 1876-79 was produced at the height of the Ottoman Tanzimat reforms. What is the connection between the Tanzimat reforms studied in class and sectarian violence in the nineteenth century? Do you think these reforms contributed to the rise of nationalist movements a few decades later in the years leading up to WWI? Why/Why not?
Grading rubric
Your essay should address all the questions in the prompt. Grades will be assessed on following basis:
I. Does your essay have a clear thesis ((فَرضيّة that deals with the central question being asked?
II. Do you elaborate on two pieces of evidence from lectures/readings that support your thesis?
III. Do you discuss the historical context of the problem to ground your presentation?
IV. Are your ideas presented in an organized way that follow the 4/5 paragraph structure below?
Intro Paragraph – Describe historical context for the problem and state your thesis
Paragraph 2 – Discuss first historical example that supports your thesis and its historical context (you may also note opposing views of historians to this part of your thesis if relevant).
Paragraph 3 – Discuss second historical example that supports your thesis and its historical context (you may also note opposing views of historians to this part of your thesis if relevant).
Paragraph 4 (optional) – Discuss third historical example that supports your thesis and its historical context (you may also note opposing views of historians to this part of your thesis if relevant).
Concluding Paragraph – Summarize your findings, restate your thesis and conclude your essay.
Sample Solution
