This is your group writing assignment. As a reminder, here is what you are going to be graded on:
Weekly Topic Writings
8 Individual Writings 15 Points Each = 120 Points Total
Each weekly topic writing is graded individually, even though the project is collaborative.
Criteria for Each Weekly Topic Writing (15 points)
- 1415 pts:
- Topic is clearly defined and directly connected to the groups overall focus
- Demonstrates strong historical understanding and thoughtful engagement
- Writing is clear, organized, and complete
- Topic was coordinated with group members (no repeats)
- 1113 pts:
- Topic connects to the group focus but could be more specific or developed
- Historical understanding is mostly accurate
- Writing is generally clear with minor issues
- 810 pts:
- Topic connection to group focus is weak or unclear
- Limited historical depth or explanation
- Writing lacks clarity or organization
- 07 pts:
- Writing is incomplete, off-topic, missing, or shows minimal effort
Weekly Topic Writing Example (Full Points)
Group Focus: Technologies That Changed Warfare
Weekly Topic: The Stirrup
Course Theme: Warfare and Technology
The stirrup was a seemingly simple technological innovation, but it had a major impact on how warfare was conducted. First appearing in Central Asia and spreading into Europe by the early Middle Ages, the stirrup allowed mounted soldiers to place their feet securely while riding (White, 1962). This added stability fundamentally changed cavalry warfare by allowing soldiers to fight more effectively on horseback.
Before the widespread use of the stirrup, cavalry soldiers struggled with balance and control while attacking. Riders depended largely on their legs and core strength to remain on their horses, which limited their ability to strike with force or use heavier weapons. The introduction of the stirrup allowed mounted warriors to brace themselves while charging, striking with swords or lances, and absorbing impact from combat (DeVries, 2004). As a result, cavalry became a much more powerful and reliable force on the battlefield.
The stirrup also contributed to long-term changes in military organization and social structures. As heavily armored cavalry became more effective, warfare increasingly depended on well-trained and well-equipped mounted soldiers rather than large infantry forces. In medieval Europe, this shift supported the development of feudal systems, where land ownership was tied to military service provided by mounted knights (White, 1962). In this way, the stirrup influenced not only military tactics but also political and social hierarchies connected to warfare.
Over time, the stirrup helped transform warfare from battles where cavalry played a supporting role into conflicts where mounted soldiers were central to military success. This demonstrates how even a small technological innovation could produce significant change over time. The stirrup is an important example of how technology reshaped warfare by altering how soldiers fought, how armies were organized, and how power was distributed.
Works Cited (Sample)
DeVries, Kelly. Medieval Military Technology. Broadview Press, 2004.
White, Lynn Jr. Medieval Technology and Social Change. Oxford University Press, 1962.
Instructor Tip:
- Notice that the citations support claims, not just definitions
- Sources are scholarly and appropriate for a history course
- In-text citations are clear and consistent
- The writing still tells a story about change over time
Why This Earns Full Points
- Clearly connects to the group focus (technology changing warfare)
- Explains change over time (before vs. after the stirrup)
- Demonstrates historical understanding and significance
- Well organized and clearly written
- Topic is specific, coordinated, and relevant
MY TOPIC IS Warfare and Technologies Group and my foucus is gonna be the Pequot War write it like the example and dont use alot of words just enough like its showen