After considering the work you've completed, pick two of the three questions to answer as part of your evaluation. Assume for the minute that the U.S. is declining in a manner similar to Rome. To understand the dynamics of a past empire with a focus on its destruction and the comparison of that destruction to present nations. Compare and contrast the views of historians on the reasons for the decline and fall of the Roman Empire, and how Romans explained their problems at the time. Students frame questions that can be answered by historical research.
Students access primary and secondary sources, read and then draw sound conclusions.
Reading grade appropriate material, students describe and connect the essential ideas, arguments, and perspectives of text and relate text structure, organization and purpose. Students deliver focused, coherent presentations that convey ideas clearly and relates to the background and interests of the audience. The judging panel for the presentations can be made up of any faculty members, as this will give added weight to the student's conclusions. Try to encourage your students to embrace a variety of answers, as the fall of Rome cannot be attributed to any one thing but to a multitude of problems. For extensions have students display their results in a variety of means such as art, music or poetry.