Why did the Renaissance happen? Assessment

Main tasks Use the game at www.activehistory.co.uk to make notes on four of the main causes of the Renaissance. Use extra resources (books, internet etc) to gather more information about these four causes and additional causes. Try to link these causes together – show how one helped another or how 2 combined to be important Write your 250 word answer to the question: “Which of the four factors do you think was the most important cause of the Renaissance? Explain your answer.”

Tasks 1 & 2 – gathering information on WHY the Renaissance happened. Remember to reference EVERY source. Only gather information that is relevant to the question – WHY did the Renaissance happen? Organize your notes into different categories Start by using Pages 6, 7, 8, 38 to 43, 62, 63 in your textbook, then use other books/in web.

Some words for our glossary! Economic: Matter related to money

Task 3: linking You need to show that you understand the complicated way in which causes of historical changes like the Renaissance are inter-linked. You first need to identify links, and then add them to your notes. See this notebook file for more help:

Task 4: 250 word answer to the question: “Which of the four factors do you think was the most important cause of the Renaissance? Explain your answer.” Make sure you answer the question Try to include specific examples from your notes to support your argument Refer to the links where appropriate Remember to keep to about 250 words You ARE NOT describing the Renaissance – you need to explain WHY it happened!

Remember the Rubric! Criteria B: Concepts: Change – why the renaissance happened and how the causes are inter-related (the links + notes). Criteria C: Skills: Selection of evidence to support your arguments and reaching a logical conclusion. (the 250 word answer)

Using sources/notes to support your arguments E.g. One of the main reasons for the Renaissance was the relative wealth of Italian cities. For example E.Wright says that “During this period Florence was the centre of the European banking system.” E.g. One of the main reasons for the Renaissance was the relative wealth of Italian cities.