INTL 3135/POLS 3030 Origins of Globalization Fall 2009 Dr. Charles W.

. Houck Essay Assignment 1 Instructions and Guidelines: This is a combination exam-research assignment that requires you to write a 3-5 page essay on one of the following topics, and submit it to me in person or via email by class time on Wednesday, October 7. In preparing your essay, you should DEFINITELY consult course texts, other assigned readings and class notes, and are EXPECTED to cite additional outside sources as well. This essay represents an individual effort you may not work together. Your essay should be double-spaced, with 1-inch margins, and printed in 10-12 point Times New Roman type. Please make sure to cite your sources, remembering that both quotes and paraphrased information requires citation. Please use either parenthetical in-text citation or endnotes. Plagiarism will be rewarded with a grade of F. Outside sources should be reliable and of high quality, including books, journals, and professional or peer-reviewed articles. Generic web sites, encyclopedic sources, and Wikipedia-style sources should be avoided. Remember that the more detailed, accurate information you use in your paper, the better your grade will be. Your grade will be based on your performance in three interrelated areas: 1.) Quality of research effort; 2.) Quality of writing; 3.) Quality of content.

Essay Topics: Choose A or B. A. In the 15th and 16th Centuries, Spain, France, and England developed from fractured, feudal kingdoms into great powers with imperial aspirations. Examine in an essay the concept of imperium universal empire its origins, defining characteristics, and how the rulers of Europe sought to implement it. As part of your discussion you should also explore details of the political, economic, and religious competition and pressures that drove these states toward becoming empires, both in Europe and abroad. Make sure to use specific examples, when appropriate, to back up your points. B. Although they may have shared the general idea of universal empire, as the European kingdoms expanded into the New World, they each applied it in distinct ways. In an essay compare and contrast the approaches to conquest and colonialism of at least two of the imperial powers we have discussed. What were the factors that drove them to expansion in the Americas? What were their objectives? How and why did they differ? How did social, economic, and political developments in Europe change those objectives over time? Did they approach the indigenous peoples of the New World aggressively or peacefully? Why?