World History since 1500 : What is Modernity?

5-7 page descriptive essay on the concept of modernity: what is it, when is it, how do we identify it, and how did it come about?

• Discuss the multiple meanings and various ways modernity is conceptualized;
• Identify 3-4 “modern” ideas, structures, and processes of post-1500 world history that constitute “modernity”;
• Describe how and why these features came about with particular emphasis placed on the transformation from the pre-modern to the modern period;

• Consideration of the larger global connections that help “create” the “modern” factors you identify in your essay;
• Not be confined to Europe but include a discussion on the relationship between “modernity” and non-European societies, cultures, and peoples post-1500
• OUTLINE:

• Introduction
• Includes a Clear Definition, Thesis Statement, and Outline of your Essay.
• 2.First,modernity is best conceptualized as…[First concept, idea, or theme]
  • a.Clearly Define what this means
  • b.Discuss the history behind its development.
  • c.How do we identify it; in other words, how does this idea impact in the modern world
  • 3.A second way to conceptualize modernity is through the idea of…

• a.Clearly Define the idea or concept.
• b.Discuss the history behind its development.
• c.How do we identify it; in other words, how does this idea impact in the modern world?
• 4.Third, another useful way of thinking about modernity is through the idea of…
• a.Clearly Define the idea or concept.
• b.Discuss the history behind its development.
• c.How do we identify it; in other words, how does this idea impact in the modern world?
• 5.[If necessary] A fourth idea is…
• a.Clearly Define the idea or concept.
• b.Discuss the history behind its development.
• c.How do we identify it; in other words, how does this idea impact the modern world?
• 6.Conclusion