How to do a C.C.O.T.

Basically convert the prompt into a comparison/contrast where the two time periods are compared

Read the prompt, underline the points to be addressed (area, themes, time periods)

What you need to do. Change

Recognize it as it occurs in history. Identify & Understand the causes of

change.

Continuity Recognize factors which remain the

same throughout an entire period. Identify and understand factors which

allow this to continue.

Set up a timeline. This will include a beginning time and one

or two other marked time periods. On timeline list 2 preferably 3

examples for each time period. Consider the prompt carefully in doing

this. Identify BOTH changes and continuities. If

there are multiple themes or areas, you need a chart for each theme or area.

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.

Global Context

In other words, what else is happening in the world?

The global context point can be earned by effectively showing:

·       Comparisons to other regions ·       Connection to global processes

·       Interaction among regions

A simple statement is all that is required to earn this point. · Ex: Mongol women, like European women, did not

bind their feet as the Chinese women did.   

Analysis Analyze the reason for a change or

continuity in EVERY main body paragraph. Don’t just describe the change. Explain why the change occurred. This is most effectively done by discussing a cause and effect chain.

Make an outline with a thesis statement

More On Analysis

Tell Why·       Analyze the changes over time and the continuities ·       Analysis means asking and answering why the

changes and continuities occurred.·       Analysis works best when it is integrated into the body paragraphs.·       Your essay should include the word because. “This is significant because…This changed over time because…

Starting and Ending Point

In order to get complete credit for the CCOT, you need to address the starting point. In order to analyze changes, you must discuss what

it was like before. However, pay attention to time period.

Given the question, your essay may require: Starting point, Transition, and Ending condition or Starting point and Ending condition.

Meaning that Outline/Timeline is essential.

Words to express change/continuity:

Change ContinuityModify AfterEvolves EmergedFlux DifferedAdapt ReformTurning point TransformVaries Shifted

Still MaintainedConstant ThroughoutRemained ContinuedStable Status QuoSecure InvariableConsistent The whole timeCarried over

Outline I. Introduction & Thesis Paragraph - Topic of the essay (who, what, where, when): - Continuities and why: -Changes and why: - Global Context: II. Cont/Change 1. - Topic sentence (summarizes the continuity/change,

analyzes and ties back to the thesis) -1st specific historical evidence - Analysis of evidence - 2nd specific historical evidence - Analysis of evidence - 3rd specific historical evidence - Analysis of evidence -Connection to the global context if applicable .

III. Cont/Change 2. - Topic sentence (summarizes the continuity/change, analyzes and ties

back to the thesis) -1st specific historical evidence - Analysis of evidence - 2nd specific historical evidence - Analysis of evidence - 3rd specific historical evidence - Analysis of evidence -Connection to the global context if applicable  IV. Cont/Change 3. - Topic sentence (summarizes the continuity/change, analyzes and ties

back to the thesis) -1st specific historical evidence - Analysis of evidence - 2nd specific historical evidence - Analysis of evidence - 3rd specific historical evidence - Analysis of evidence -Connection to the global context if applicable  Conclusion. Try to get expanded core points by relating comparisons to

the larger, global context. Why does this matter? What does it show us about the human societies in general?

BASIC CORE EXPANDED CORE

Points Points

1) Has acceptable thesis. (Addresses the global issues and the time period specified.)

1 Expands beyond basic core of 1 to 7 points. A student must earn 7 points in the basic core area before earning points in the expanded core area. Examples: Has a clear, analytical, and comprehensive thesis. Addresses all issues of the question (as relevant): global context, chronology, causation, change, continuity, effects, content. Addresses all parts of the question evenly. Provides ample historical evidence to substantiate the thesis. Provides links with relevant ideas, events, and trends in an innovative way.

 

0-2 2) Addresses all parts of the question (though not necessarily evenly or thoroughly)

2

· Addresses most parts of the question (1)

3) Substantiates thesis with appropriate historical evidence

2

· Partially substantiates thesis with appropriate historical evidence

(1)

4) Uses relevant world historical context effectively to explain change over time and/or continuity.

1

5) Analyzes the process of change over time and/or continuity.

1

Subtotal 7 Subtotal 2

TOTAL 9

Change Over Time Essay Rubric

PROMPT Analyze continuities and changes

in patterns of interactions over the silk roads from 200 BCE to 1450 CE.