.ASSIGNMENT ONE: Sept. 10

In the 1600s the French monarchy became absolute due in part to the actions of Richelieu and Mazarin.  The reign of Louis XIV  epitomized absolute power.. Louis XIV surrounded himself with capable advisers, military reformers, and financial experts. The resulting political centralization was exemplified by the "Sun King’s" palatial complex at Versailles and France’s commanding position in European politics.

In Russia Peter the Great's reforming actions resulted in an absolute monarchy determined to remake Russia into a Western European nation.  His program of westernization was continued by Elizabeth and Catherine the Great.

Learning Objectives:  Absolutism

  The student will understand

           1. the rise of the absolute monarchy in France , especially the role of Louis XIV.

   2. the entrance of Russia into Western European politics.

   3.  the impact of Peter the Great and  westernization on Russia.

Go the links below, read in the text book and then read the links that are found on each topic page.

French Absolutism       Western Civilization   pp.451-458

Russian Absolutism  .   Western Civilization  . pp.461-463

This material will be on the first exam Sept. 29-Oct. 5 (week 6)

When reading in the text and the on-line materials, you should take notes, in organizing your notes be sure to include dates ( in order to know the timing of  events), important persons, important events, note how the people affect the event and how the events affect people.  My outlines on each topic pages tell you what I consider to be the important persons/events of the topic.  These materials will  be on the first exam .

After you have read in the text and on-line materials answer the response questions on this topic.

FORMAT OF RESPONSES:
1. The response will be a minimum of 200 words( That is each response is 200 words or more).
2.  Please write the question as the heading for your response.
3.  Be sure to place your name on the page.
4.  Your responses should be double-spaced, font size 10 or 12   using arial or other simple font.
5.  Please send the two response questions as a single document in the WebCT Assignment link.l.
6.  After you have used spell-check, be sure to proofread your responses.
7.  Be sure to save your work.
8.  Remember your work should be done in Microsoft Word or sent as a Rich text file.
9.  There is a five (5) point penalty for late work.  Work will not be accepted two (2) days after the due date.

EVALUATION OF RESPONSES Each question will be worth 20 points/ 40 points for the two.

1. They will be graded upon the content (, your understanding of the question, your analysis     and  synthesis of the       materials and discussion ) :
2. on the correct usage of the language (spelling, punctuation, grammar, mechanics). 
3.The grading standard for the correct usage of the language will be Edited American English (found below).

Select two of the following Response Questions.

French Absolutism/Russian Absolutism Sept. 10   ( Wed.  12:00 noon,  week 3)

   1. Describe the actions of Richelieu , Mazarin and Louis XIV as they pertained to making the King supreme in France.  Did their efforts result in the King being supreme?

      2.  Discuss the Edict of Nantes, the cause of it, why it was revised, why it was revoked.  What did the Edict mean in terms of religious toleration? Was toleration of religious differences brought about by it?

      3.  Describe Peter I's trip to Western Europe:  its purpose, its results, did it bring about a true change in Russia?

       4.  Compare the reigns of Louis XIV and Peter I:  what changes/reforms were made to make themselves supreme. (include discussion as to which was the greater example of supremacy---building Versailles or building St. Petersburg)

        5.  Peter I and Catherine II bookend the 1700s of Russia. Describe how Catherine II's actions continued Peter I's policy of transforming Russia. ( include specific example(s) for the reign of each regarding changing Russia)

             6.  Discuss the wars fought by Louis XIV. Did they result in making France supreme in Europe? or did they result in the weakening of France?  Was Louis XIV wise or foolish in waging these wars?

        7.  Expansion is a constant theme in Russian history.  Describe the expansionist policies of Peter I and Catherine II. What did they acquire? Why was a warm water port important?

Grading Scale

Type I:  Gross Errors (-10 pts. each)

              A. fragment (ex.   Because I had a flat tire.)

              B. lack of subject/verb agreement (ex. The man were having a nervous breakdown.)

              C. fused/run-on sentence (ex. I had no choice I had to take the test.)

              D. incorrect tense or verb form (ex. The boy gone to the store for his father.)

Type II:  Major Errors (-5 pts. each)

              A. comma between subject and verb(comma fault) (ex. The mother,gave her son the apple.)

                 B. comma splice (ex. We went to the store,we  got some bread and milk.)

                 C. failure to show possession (ex. My husband pants are dirty.)

                  D. no indentation at beginning of paragraph and incorrect paragraph form.

Type III: Minor Errors ( -2 pts. each)

               A. misspelled words or incorrect capitalization

                B. misused homonyms or words used incorrectly

               C. commas added unnecessarily or commas lacking

               D. punctuation missing or incorrect

                E. incorrect pronoun agreement

               F. misleading pronoun reference

               G. unnecessary shift of tense or person

               H. words left out/dangling or misplaced modifiers.