1.1 How Fair and Balanced Was the Treaty of Versailles?
Over the course of this first section, you have studied the causes of World War I.
You have looked at how the empires of the early twentieth century, in making political moves to control territory, laid the groundwork for the outbreak of conflict. You have also read about how feelings of nationalism that had charged particular nation-states at this time, added to the problem. You have considered the role that alliances and secret agreements played in making a large-scale, global conflict seemingly inevitable.
Lastly, you have reflected upon the Treaty of Versailles, where the nations involved sought to bring about a fair resolution to the war.
This section assignment will give you the opportunity to make sense of what happened in Europe in the first decades of the twentieth century.
Your topic is to respond to this question:
“The Treaty of Versailles turned out to be a very harsh peace. Many Germans felt betrayed.” In your own estimation, how fair and balanced was the treaty?
You will look at Germany’s response, but you will also have to take into account how fair it was to the other countries involved.
You will then decide whether you would like to show your understanding using a slideshow, a lecture, or an expository essay. You will also need to create and submit an outline for all options.
Option A – The Slideshow
You will create an electronic slideshow in which you address the above topic. You may use PowerPoint, Impress from OpenOffice, or another software that you like.
Your slideshow will roughly take the same form as an essay. You will introduce the topic, present your thesis, develop your ideas then state your conclusion in light of the evidence that you have provided.
However, your slideshow will be written using one to three point-form notes for each slide. Include keywords and relevant quotations.
Your slideshow will benefit from the use of visuals in the form of photographs, videos, drawings, charts, and/or infographics. In order to make your point, you will also want to consider the effect that the layout has on your presentation. Make sure your images directly relate to the information alongside it.
Option B – The Lecture
You will deliver a lecture in which you address the above topic. You can use either audio or video recording software. You may also present the lecture to your instructor in person, if possible.
Your lecture will take roughly the same form as the essay. First, consider your purpose. Why are you delivering this lecture? Who is your audience? What do they expect? You will introduce the topic, present your thesis, develop your ideas then state your conclusion in light of the evidence that you have provided.
Your lecture will be less formal than an essay. It should not be completely composed ahead of time, but delivered from an outline or set of note cards. You will be able to use tone and volume of voice, as well as inflection and other oratory skills to make your point.
Option C – The Expository Essay
You will write an essay in which you address the above topic. You will compose your essay on a computer, saving it as a .doc or .rtf file. Keep in mind that this is not a research essay. You are expected to use the material presented to you within the course. If you choose to use material found outside the course, you need to include a bibliography of these sources.
This essay will be written by following your outline. You will start with an introductory paragraph that presents your topic then outlines your position. You will develop two to four main body paragraphs that address one topic each. You will wrap up with a concluding paragraph.
Any sources you use outside of the course, please cite within your work and provide a bibliography at the end.
Marks:
|
Notes – marked for thoroughness and detail |
10 |
|
Outline – according to the outline rubric x 2 |
10 |
|
Final Project |
20 |
|
Total |
40 |