In this unit for the course (weeks 6-9), we have explored how colonialism, imperialism, trade, and globalization have historically contributed to the spread of pathogens and disease vectors – and, as a result, to the incidence of epidemics and pandemics. In this reflective essay, we would like you to grapple with these themes and their implications.
Your essay should begin with a brief introduction (roughly 2-3 sentences), which summarizes the paper and advances an overarching thesis about the relationship between colonialism, imperialism, trade, globalization, and the history of epidemic disease. In the remainder of the essay, please write three paragraphs, as follows:
First, describe how and why colonialism, imperialism, trade, and globalization have influenced the spread of infectious diseases throughout world history.
Second, identify and analyze some of the ways that different societies have attempted to manage or mitigate this problem.
And third, make an argument in response to the following question: have the disease impacts of colonialism, imperialism, trade, and globalization been evenly distributed throughout the world, or have some societies been disproportionately affected by them?
This reflective essay should be between 500 and 600 words in length (not including headings or citations). Please do not go above or below this range. It is fine to use the first-person “I” in this paper, but it should still be written in a formal style that is free from grammatical errors. You should use detailed evidence to illustrate your points and support your argument. To that end, this essay should also contain at least TWO explicit references to different lectures from this unit and at least TWO explicit references to distinct readings from the course for the relevant unit, cited in a standard citation system (Chicago, APA, MLA, etc.) Please be sure to include a Bibliography/Works Cited at the end of your paper as well, based on your chosen citation system. You should not draw on outside research for this paper, as we want you to specifically engage with the content we have covered in this unit of this class (weeks 6-9).
Rubric:
Thesis Statement: 5 points
The first paragraph of your paper should contain a thesis statement that directly addresses the prompt and concisely summarizes the main point(s) of your argument. Readers of this paper should be able to see the contents of your thesis statement reflected throughout the rest of the paper.
Excellent
Great
Satisfactory
Insufficient
Unsatisfactory
Argumentation: 10 points
The bulk of your paper should comprise a logically sound argument that addresses the prompt and shows engagement with the themes of the class. It should show your critical reflection on the content of course lectures, discussions, activities, and readings.
Excellent
Great
Satisfactory
Insufficient
Unsatisfactory
Use of Course Readings and Evidence from Lectures: 10 points
Your argument should include at least two explicit references to different lectures from this unit and at least two explicit references to course readings that are cited using an accepted citation system like Chicago, APA, or MLA. At the same time, though, we do not want you to provide so many lengthy quotations from course readings that your own voice is drowned out. Your references and quotations from assigned readings should bolster, not detract, from the content of your personal reflection.
Excellent
Great
Satisfactory
Insufficient
Unsatisfactory
Grammar and Style: 5 points
This paper should not contain any grammatical errors and should show your ability to write English at the college level. It should also be at least 500 words in length, but no longer than 600.
Excellent
Great
Satisfactory
Insufficient
Unsatisfactory
