WRITING A CCOT

What is the CCOT Essay? An essay discussing characteristics that changed and stayed the same in a given region between two time periods. Comparison essay, but across time rather than region.

What you need to do. Change Continuity Recognize change as it occurs in history Identify and understand the causes of change Continuity Recognize factors that remain the same throughout an entire period Identify and understand factors that allow this to continue

The “Change” Must discuss (utilizing concrete detail) and analyze changes that occurred relevant to the questions. And, of course, correct information If the questions discusses specific terms, such as social and political, you need to focus on political and social changes. If the questions is more vague, you need to think of aspects to base your analysis on (PERSIAN chart categories)

EXAMPLES OF Good and Bad Changes You must identify the change and make it clear why that change occurred. Bad: Prior to 1948 the Jewish people had no homeland. In 1948, Israel was established. Good: In the Early 20th century, few people saw a need for the establishment of an independent Jewish state. However, once the world realized the massive genocide of Jews that took place during World War II, support for the establishment of Israel began to grow.

The “Continuity” The questions also asks you to address continuities, generally these are patterns or cultural tendencies that remain stagnant for years and years For example: Think of the role of women, religions, philosophies, or conflict between the social classes **you must have concrete details to back up your continuity**

Fundamentals of the CCOT Essay Thesis should define areas of change and areas of continuity. Establish time period boundaries & address entire period. This can be done in two sentences Address both continuity and change! Everyone forgets to do continuity Analyze the cause of changes Use the word “because” a lot Discuss “global context” Connect to world processes and change

Helpful Hints Draw a timeline to help connect the era and events you will talk about. Identify what the situation was at the beginning of the era, also know as a baseline. Evidence Identify what the situation was at the end of the era. Try to explain the process of change. How and why did it happen?

How to Answer the CCOT Essay Approach #1 – Direct Basis body paragraph around the changes and continuities you identify. Topic sentence What it was like at the beginning Evidence What it was like at the end Cause of change or context Summary of change Status at end of period & significance

How to Answer the CCOT Essay Approach #2 – Narrative Describe the flow of history from beginning of period to end with embedded changes or continuities. Bases body paragraphs around sub-periods. Topic sentence Context Characteristics, events, & processes that change/stay the same Cause of changes seen in period & significance

Format Outline: Thesis Change/Continuity Paragraph Topic Sentence with change/continuity Evidence, Evidence, Evidence World history context Analysis

1. Thesis An acceptable thesis must: Have the global issues and the time periods specified Answer the question asked using their wording Have categories of BOTH change and continuity

Thesis Practice: Here’s the prompt: Analyze the continuities and changes in patterns of interactions along the Silk Roads from 200 BCE to 1450. Are the following sentences acceptable theses?

Thesis Practice: From 200 BCE to 1450 CE the Silk Road’s patterns of interaction underwent changes, such as the intermediaries and civilizations it connected. However, it also underwent continuities, in that the Silk Road continued to spread innovations, ideas, and goods. Therefore, from the Classical to the Postclassical Era, the continuities of patterns of interactions along the Silk Road outweighed the changes.

Thesis Practice: There were many continuities and changes in patterns of interactions along the Silk Roads from 200 BCE to 1450 CE such as a continuity of a major spread of religion. An important change is that it eventually became not only the path for many luxury goods, but it also became a road for sickness and disease to spread.

Thesis Practice: From 200 BCE to 1450 CE, the Silk Road continuities and changes in patterns of interactions have changed tremendously. First, the Silk Road had many changes as to how it was traveled. Next, things traded started to decline due to technology. Finally, the routes differed from these two snapshots of history. Only Changes

Thesis Practice: From 200 BCE to 1450 CE the Silk Roads were involved with many nations, and was in the middle of many wars. Their were even some major conflicts caused because of the trades along the silk roads. After analyzing information, it is clear that the silk road led to many major events in China. No specific categories

3. Historical Evidence: Must have at least 6 pieces (more gets you into the 8-9 score range) Must have evidence for BOTH change and continuity To count as separate pieces your evidence can not be given in a list. EX: China traded luxury goods such as silk, porcelain, and paper. (1 piece of evidence) EX: China traded many luxury goods, one of which was silk. Another luxury good that China traded was porcelain. (2 pieces of evidence) BE SPECIFIC!!! (no “stuff”, “they”, “it”)

4. World Historical Context: Must have specific regional context and examples “Over a period of time, Silk Roads were responsible for bringing different cultures into contact” What cultures, where?

World Historical Context Example: Buddhism went to China through the Silk Road Buddhism went from India to China through the Silk Road.

World Historical Context Example: Han China traded with Rome along the Silk Road. Han China traded goods with Rome along the Silk Road. Han China traded luxury goods with Rome along the Silk Road. It’s a trade route, of course they traded! It’s a trade route, of course they traded goods!

5. Analyzes the process of continuity and change over time Accurately explains the reason for or impact of a continuity OR change Not just cause and effect, must include “why?” Sentence stems “Because of...” “Due to…” Example: Due to the introduction of paper along the silk road, governments were able to keep more detailed records, which enhanced their power. (Not – “Paper was traded along the Silk Road”)

Examples of Old CCOT Prompts: Analyze the changes and continuities in commerce in the Indian Ocean region from 650 C.E. to 1750 C.E.

Your Turn! Analyze the continuities and changes in your personality from Elementary school to High School. Thesis Choose one category to write a body paragraph about