1. Keys to the Change & Continuity Over Time Essay 2012-2013

2. What is the CCOT (or COT) essay?
THE BASICS
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).
Requires an extensive knowledge of content.
Change & continuity over time essays require describing the history of a place.

3. What is the CCOT essay? REQUIRED ELEMENTS Thesis statement
Addressing both changes & continuities
Supporting the thesis
Analyzing the cause of change or continuity
Using global historical context
Notice 1-4 are the same points as the Comparative Essay rubric!

4. Required Element: Thesis
Restate location & time period boundaries.
Write a strong statement of 1-2 sentences that falls at the end of your intro.
Minimum of two topics (one change and one continuity).
Whenever possible add a third topic (usually changes are easier).

5. Required Element: Answer the Question
Read the question accurately & plan.
Identify at least 1 accurate change & 1 accurate continuity.
Establish a baseline before describing the changes that occur.
Outline the steps that lead to the change.
Establish an endpoint.

6. Required Element: Thesis - examples
2006 EXAM: Analyze the cultural and political changes and continuities in ONE of the following civilizations in the last centuries of the classical era.
India 300CE to 600 CE
China 100CE to 600 CE
Rome 100CE to 600 CE

7. Required Element: Thesis - examples
In the classical era between 100AD and 600AD, the Roman civilization experienced many political and cultural changes and continuities. The Roman government went from a republic to Empire dominance that crumbled in But cultural aspects of the Roman Empire remained the same.
Between 100 CE and 600 CE, the Roman empire underwent a change in government as the empire collapsed due to corruption within. Also, the influence of Christianity increased greatly. However, the “Eastern Roman Empire”, the Byzantines, kept the culture going.

8. Required Element: Thesis - examples
2003 EXAM: Describe and analyze the cultural, economic and political impact of Islam on ONE of the following regions between 1000 and Be sure to discuss continuities as well as changes.
West Africa
Europe
South Asia

9. Required Element: Thesis - examples
Between 100 and 1750, Europe received many technological and political ideas from Islam, while Islam remained basically the same, as well as European opposition to Islam.
Between 1000 and 1750, European culture was impacted by Islam through the Crusades, which exposed Europeans to Islamic scientific knowledge, and the economy of Europe was stimulated by contact with Islamic societies. However, the political impact of Islam had little effect on Europe’s political system.

10. Required Element: Evidence
Post-Class: Keys to the DBQ
Required Element: Evidence
Give multiple, specific examples to support thesis claims (requires that you know history)
Don’t be afraid to note exceptions to a trend!
Have goal of 3 supporting details per body ¶
Be able to offer analysis as to WHY things change and WHY they stay the same.
CCOT is about process – NOT "snap shots" of how things were at the beginning and end of the time period without connections

11. Required Element: Analyze Reason for Change or Continuity
Identify at least 1 cause of a change or continuity.
Try to aim for the root or underlying theme driving the change taking place.
Know the common triggers for change—they are often used in essays (trade, outside influence, political collapse…)

12. Required Element: Global, Historical Context
Remember that changes & continuities in a particular region do not happen in a vacuum—they are connected to what is going on outside the region.
Identify at least 1 development in the broader world and connect it to your topic.

13. What is the CCOT essay? Steps to Answering the Question
Know how the essay is graded
Break down the question
Remember the Rule of 3
Use solid paragraph structure

14. Step: #1 Know Rubric Notice:
Split rubric= must get all 7 core points before earning expanded points
Focus on 7 core points
Scored based on value-added= points are not deducted, they are only awarded for positive contributions

15. Step: #2 Understand Question
Read the question accurately & plan
Underline directive word= describe v. compare v. analyze v. evaluate v. to what extent
Establish boundaries for writing= time period & region
Recall prior knowledge= note any info that you remember within the boundaries
Analysis?
do not simply look at a situation simply at face value but look for connections between information
the recognition of patterns, relationships, or hidden meaning

16. Step: #3 Rule of 3 3 controlling ideas in thesis 3 body paragraphs
3 supporting details per paragraph
3 examples of context – 1 per paragraph
3 causes of change or continuity – 1 per paragraph

17. Step: #4 Paragraph Org Topic sentence introducing grouping Context
Baseline
Evidence (beginning, middle, end of period)
Cause of change/continuity

18. Finished Product – Formal Essay
There are requirements specific to AP, but keep in mind this is about becoming a good writer
Proper Organization & Accuracy
Introduction, 3 body ¶‘s, Conclusion
Use topic sentences
Restates thesis in conclusion
Proper Style & Conventions
Don’t use I, me, you, or abbreviations
Aim for proper spelling and punctuation because errors can cloud your argument

19. Post-Class: Keys to the DBQ
Practice CCOT
Options:
Trace the CCOT in the standards of beauty in the last 500 years
Trace the CCOT in your own life
(a river flows from the mountains, through the forest, past the farms, into the city and out to sea.  How does the river change/stay the same?  You can't just talk about the mountains and the sea)