ZHSS1202 Second World War

ZHSS1202 Second World War

Summaryof Information

Assessment title: Essay

Weighting:35%

DueDate: 23.59, 4 October 2024

Type:Essay

Length:1,500 words

Submissionrequirements:Submit your report via Turnitin on Moodle.

Feedback Details:Grades and written feedback for this assessment will be provided and returned 2 weeks after the submission.

Aligned CLOs:1-4

Assessment Description

Rationale: Researching historical material to formulate a compelling argument about an event or issue in the past is a key skill of the history profession. This assessment will involve the production of an evidence-based essay in response to a question relating to the core themes and debates of the history of the Second World War.

Taskdescription: You will need to research and write an essay on one of the questions listed below. You are required to select at least five scholarly sources to support your discussion. Please fully footnote your essay following the Chicago Manual of Style.

Resources: In addition to researching your own scholarly sources, you are encouraged to draw on the weekly readings for the course.

What you need to do:

Step 1: Begin by selecting one of the questions below:

The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor was a fatal mistake. Discuss.

This was a war that was won on the factory floor rather than the battlefield. Discuss

What were the key characteristics of the war on the Eastern Front?

To what degree did the boundary between the civilian front and the battlefront disappear, and what was the significance of this in the conduct of the war?

Step 2: Conduct library research to find relevant quality academic secondary sources, e.g. journal articles, books or book chapters, that relate to your chosen question.

Step 3: Read and analyse your sources and then write an essay based on your research.

Step 4: Fully footnote your essay and include a bibliography. Remember each footnote must have the correct page numbers otherwise you cannot pass this assessment.

Step 5: Submit your essay by the due date via Turnitin on Moodle.

Marking rubric

Criteria High Distinction Distinction Credit Pass Unsatisfactory (Fail)

Engagement with the essay topic and relevance to the stated task

Sophisticated critical engagement with the topic at all levels of research and subject matter Sophisticated critical engagement with the topic in many aspects of the research and subject matter Sound attempt to engage critically with the topic in most aspects of the research and subject matter Obvious attempt to engage critically with the topic in some aspects of research and subject matter Minimal/no evidence of critical engagement with the topic

Presentation of a clear and coherent argument Concise synthesis of key points into a compelling, coherent and sophisticated argument Concise and sophisticated synthesis of key points but a little more work needed to present a compelling argument Clear and coherent attempt to outline key points - but more work needed to develop a compelling argument Outlines key points, but quite a lot of work needed to develop a clear and coherent argument Response is unclear, with inadequate coverage of key points

Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the topic

Sophisticated understanding of key debates about relevant facts and issues Sound understanding of key debates about relevant facts and issues Sound understanding of most relevant debates, facts and issues, but more research needed Adequate understanding of relevant facts and issues, but quite a few gaps evident Substantial gaps in knowledge of, and/or misconceptions about, relevant facts and issues

Key points are backed up with evidence from quality academic secondary sources Extensive range of high quality, up-to-date academic sources used Strong range of high quality and up-to-date academic sources used Good range of academic sources used, some perhaps not relevant or up-to-date Adequate range of academic sources used, but more research advisable Inadequate research: either too limited or non-academic in nature

Meets university level standards of written expression, including correct spelling and grammar Excellent written communication Strong written communication, but with a specific area for improvement Good written communication, but with more than one area for improvement Sound written communication, but with considerable room for improvement Poor written communication with numerous errors

Work includes appropriate referencing and bibliography All key claims and relevant ideas appropriately referenced Most key claims and relevant ideas appropriately referenced Sound attempt at referencing, but need for some improvement Most claims and ideas are referenced, but lots of room for improvement Inadequate and inaccurate referencing.