HUM 111 – Assignments and Rubrics © 2014 Strayer Unive.docx

HUM 111 – Assignments and Rubrics
© 2014 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document
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HUM 111 Student Version 1144 (1071 3-2-2014) Final
Page 1 of 12
Assignment 1: Essay
Due Week 4 and worth 100 points
Choose one (1) of the topics below and develop a three to four
(3-4) paragraph essay (of at least 250-500
words) which adequately address the topic you have chosen.
Topic Choices
• There have been many theories regarding how the pyramids at
Giza were constructed. Most
experts agree that they were constructed as burial monuments
for pharaohs, but “how” these
ancient people constructed monuments of such great size
without modern machinery is a mystery
which is still being debated.
• No one can say for certain what happened to the Mayan

people, but theories abound and include
varied possible alternatives to explain the abrupt and mysterious
disappearance of the Mayan
civilization.
• It is believed that Queen Hatshepsut dressed as a man to gain
support of the Egyptians. After her
death, her successor removed as many remnants of her rule as
possible. Although a pharaoh,
her mummified remains and tomb have never been conclusively
found.
• Tutankhamen died young, at around 18 years of age. However,
his cause of death has not been
confirmed. Did he die of an injury, of illness, or was he
murdered?
• Considered the “Mummy’s Curse”, a series of unexplainable,
unfortunate, or tragic events that
happened to the people who were present at the opening of
Tutankhamen’s tomb.
• The monumental size and complexity of the Tomb of
Shihuangdi is astounding. It is believed that
the workers were forced to remain inside the tomb when it was
walled shut so they would not
reveal the secrets of its construction. What was the emperor’s
purpose for such an elaborate
burial place?
• Other topic choice recommended and approved by the
professor and supported by the grading
rubric.
Write a three to four (3-4) paragraph paper in which you:

1. Clearly state the “mystery” and provide a brief summary of at
least two (2) theories which could
explain the mystery. Because some theories may sound far-
fetched, include the source or
promoter of each theory – such as a scientist, a historian, a
theologian, etc.
2. Identify one (1) of the theories and provide at least two (2)
convincing reasons why the theory you
have chosen is the best one to explain the mystery.
3. Use at least two (2) sources besides the textbook. Note:
Wikipedia and other Websites do not
quality as academic resources.
Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements:
• Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size
12), with one-inch margins on all
sides; citations and references must follow APA style format.
Check with your professor for any
additional instructions. (Note: Students can find APA style
materials located in the course shell
for reference).
• Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the
student’s name, the professor’s
name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the
reference page are not included in
the required assignment page length.
The specific course learning outcomes associated with this
assignment are:

• Explain how key social, cultural, and artistic contributions
contribute to historical changes.
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• Explain the importance of situating a society’s cultural and
artistic expressions within a historical
context.
• Examine the influences of intellectual, religious, political, and
socio-economic forces on social,
cultural, and artistic expressions.
• Identify major historical developments in world cultures
during the eras of antiquity to the
Renaissance
• Use technology and information resources to research issues in
the study of world cultures.
• Write clearly and concisely about world cultures using proper
writing mechanics.

Grading for this assignment will be based on answer quality,
logic / organization of the paper, and
language and writing skills, using the following rubric.
Points: 100
Assignment 1: Essay
Criteria
Unacceptable
Below 60% F
Meets
Minimum
Expectations
60-69% D
Fair
70-79% C
Proficient

80-89% B
Exemplary
90-100% A
1. Clearly state the
“mystery” and provide
a brief summary of at
least two (2) theories
which could explain the
mystery. Because
some theories may
sound far-fetched,
include the source or
promoter of each
theory – such as a
scientist, a historian, a
theologian, etc.
Weight: 40%
Did not submit or
incompletely
stated the
“mystery”. Did not
submit or
incompletely
provided a brief
summary of at
least two (2)
theories which
could explain the

mystery. Did not
submit or
incompletely
included the
source or
promoter of each
theory – such as
a scientist, a
historian, a
theologian, etc.
Insufficiently
stated the
“mystery” and
provided a brief
summary of at
least two (2)
theories which
could explain
the mystery.
Insufficiently
included the
source or
promoter of
each theory –
such as a
scientist, a
historian, a
theologian, etc.
Partially stated
the “mystery”
and provided a
brief summary of
at least two (2)
theories which

could explain
the mystery.
Partially
included the
source or
promoter of
each theory –
such as a
scientist, a
historian, a
theologian, etc.
Satisfactorily
stated the
“mystery” and
provided a brief
summary of at
least two (2)
theories which
could explain
the mystery.
Satisfactorily
included the
source or
promoter of
each theory –
such as a
scientist, a
historian, a
theologian, etc.
Thoroughly
stated the
“mystery” and
provided a brief
summary of at

least two (2)
theories which
could explain
the mystery.
Thoroughly
included the
source or
promoter of
each theory –
such as a
scientist, a
historian, a
theologian, etc.
2. Identify one (1) of
the theories and
provide at least two (2)
convincing reasons
why the theory you
have chosen is the
best one to explain the
mystery.
Weight: 35%
Did not submit or
incompletely
identified one (1)
of the theories
and did not
submit or
incompletely
provided at least
two (2)
convincing
reasons why the
theory you have

chosen is the
best one to
explain the
mystery.
Insufficiently
identified one
(1) of the
theories and
insufficiently
provided at
least two (2)
convincing
reasons why
the theory you
have chosen is
the best one to
explain the
mystery.
Partially
identified one
(1) of the
theories and
partially
provided at
least two (2)
convincing
reasons why
the theory you
have chosen is
the best one to
explain the
mystery.

Satisfactorily
identified one
(1) of the
theories and
satisfactorily
provided at
least two (2)
convincing
reasons why
the theory you
have chosen is
the best one to
explain the
mystery.
Thoroughly
identified one
(1) of the
theories and
thoroughly
provided at
least two (2)
convincing
reasons why
the theory you
have chosen is
the best one to
explain the
mystery.

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3. 2 references –
number and quality
Weight: 5%
No references
provided
Does not meet
the required
number of
references; all
references
poor quality
choices.
Does not meet
the required
number of
references;
some
references poor
quality choices.

Meets number
of required
references; all
references
high quality
choices.
Exceeds
number of
required
references; all
references
high quality
choices.
4. Clarity ,writing
mechanics,
referencing, and
formatting
requirements
Weight: 20%
More than 8
errors present
7-8 errors
present
5-6 errors
present
3-4 errors
present
0-2 errors

present
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Assignment 2: Project Paper
The Project Paper focuses on a suggested topic related to art,
architecture, history, music, or
literature. The project will reflect your views and interpretation
of the topic. This project is designed to help
you stretch your mind and your abilities to be the creative,
innovative, and critical thinker you already are!
Choose one (1) of the topics from the list of topic choices
below. Read the topic carefully. Write a three to
four (3-4) page paper (750-1,000 words) that responds to each
of the items described in the topic.
Note: Submit your topic choice to the instructor for approval

before the end of Week 2.
For the topic you choose:
1. Support your ideas with specific, illustrative examples. If
there are questions or points associated
with your chosen topic, be sure to answer all of the listed
questions and address all of the items
in that topic. If your topic requires you to do several things
related to the topic, be sure to do each
of the things listed.
2. While some of the topics tend to lend themselves toward
particular writing genres, you are not
restricted to the specific format suggested for the individual
topic. For example, you may do an
“interview,” a “proposal,” a “letter,” a “short story,” a “blog,”
an “essay,” an “article,” or any other
written genre for almost any of the topics. The project is
intended to be fun as well as informative,
so feel free to be creative with the delivery of your information.
3. Use at least two (2) sources besides the textbook, which
counts as one (1) source. Note:
Wikipedia and other Websites do not quality as academic
resources.
Topic Choices
• Self-Portraits. Journal. The Renaissance artists Titian,
Rembrandt, and Durer have each painted
self-portraits. Imagine yourself as one of these artists (or
another artist of your choice that has

painted a self-portrait) and write a journal expressing your
thoughts on “your” art (in other words,
the journal entries the artist would probably write.) (1) Explain
“your” primary reason for painting a
self-portrait. (2) Describe “your” artistic choices in
composition: use of color, space, etc. (3)
Explain what the portrait represents about “you” (as the artist.)
(4) Explain “your” choices of
subject with regard to at least three (3) other specific pieces
“you” have painted.
• Ladies and Gentlemen. Survey and Report. Some may believe
that being “gentleman” or a “lady”
in today’s society is an outdated notion, but others may
disagree. (1) Briefly summarize the main
characteristics of a well-rounded person, “l’uomo universal,”
referring to specific sections within
the excerpt from The Courtier which identifies these
characteristics. (2) Create a “survey” based
on the identified characteristics and “poll” at least ten people to
find out whether or not the
characteristics are relevant for a “gentleman” or “lady” of
today. (3) Tabulate and discuss the
responses in terms of gender, age, vocation, etc. of your survey
participants, making note of any
interesting or surprising results which show up in your poll
answers. (4) Finally, explain whether
or not you agree with the characteristics expressed by
Castiglione in The Courtier.
• Bayeux Tapestry Experience. Letter. Imagine yourself as one
of the figures in the battle depicted
in the Bayeux Tapestry; in a letter home, you describe your
experience to your family. (1) Write a
first-person account of this historical event from the perspective
of one (1) of the figures in

tapestry. (2) Use your senses to describe your impression of the
event. (3) Describe specific
elements of the scene such as uniforms, weaponry, fighting
styles, etc. (4) Explain why you
believe your side was justified in participating in the battle and
how you would like the battle to be
remembered.
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• Ancient Chinese Contributions. Essay. To win a trip to China,
you enter a contest to determine
the four (4) most useful contributions or inventions created by
the ancient Chinese. (1) Identify
eight to ten (8-10) of these useful inventions or contributions.
(2) Nominate four (4) that you
believe are the most ingenious or innovative. (3) Explain why
you believe these four (4)
inventions or contributions are the most useful inventions or
contributions from the ancient
Chinese. (4) Identify one (1) invention or contribution that you
cannot live without and explain

why.
rubric.
The Project Paper will be graded on:
1. The level to which the instructions were followed.
2. The extent to which all four (4) parts in the topic were
addressed.
3. The adequacy of information, examples, and details which
support the general claim or main
idea.
4. The relevance of the explanations and descriptions.
5. The inclusion of three (3) required references (two [2]
additional sources besides your textbook)
documented using APA style.
6. Adherence to standard rules of grammar, punctuation, and
mechanics.
sides; references must follow APA style format. Check with
your professor for any additional
instructions specific to the selected topic. (Note: Students can
find APA style materials located in
the course shell for reference).

the required page length.
assignment are:
context.
Renaissance.
writing mechanics.

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Points: 200
Criteria
Unacceptable
Below 60% F
Meets
Minimum
Expectations
60-69% D

Fair
70-79% C
Proficient
80-89% B
Exemplary
90-100% A
1. The level to which
the instructions were
followed.
Weight: 15%
Did not submit or
incompletely
followed
instructions.
Insufficiently
followed
instructions.

Partially
followed
instructions.
Satisfactorily
followed
instructions.
Thoroughly
followed
instructions.
2. The extent to which
all four (4) parts in the
topic were addressed.
Weight: 20%
Did not submit or
incompletely
addressed all four
(4) parts in the
topic.
Insufficiently
addressed all
four (4) parts in
the topic.
Partially
addressed all
four (4) parts in
the topic.
Satisfactorily
addressed all
four (4) parts in

the topic.
Thoroughly
addressed all
four (4) parts in
the topic.
3. The adequacy of
information, examples,
and details which
support the general
claim or main idea.
Weight: 20%
Did not submit or
incompletely
provided
adequate
information,
examples, and
details which
support the
general claim or
main idea.
Insufficiently
provided
adequate
information,
examples, and
details which
support the
general claim or
main idea.
Partially

provided
adequate
information,
examples, and
details which
support the
general claim or
main idea.
Satisfactorily
provided
adequate
information,
examples, and
details which
support the
general claim
or main idea.
Thoroughly
provided
adequate
information,
examples, and
details which
support the
general claim
or main idea.
4. The relevance of the
explanations and
descriptions.
Weight: 20%
Did not submit or
incompletely

provided
explanations and
descriptions that
were relevant.
Insufficiently
provided
explanations
and
descriptions
that were
relevant.
Partially
provided
explanations
and descriptions
that were
relevant.
Satisfactorily
provided
explanations
and
descriptions
that were
relevant.
Thoroughly
provided
explanations
and
descriptions
that were
relevant.

5. 3 references –
number and quality
Weight: 5%
No references
provided
Does not meet
the required
number of
references; all
references
poor quality
choices.
Does not meet
the required
number of
references;
some
references poor
quality choices.
Meets number
of required
references; all
references
high quality
choices.
Exceeds
number of
required
references; all
references
high quality

choices.
6. Clarity ,writing
mechanics,
referencing, and
formatting
requirements
Weight: 20%
More than 8
errors present
7-8 errors
present
5-6 errors
present
3-4 errors
present
0-2 errors
present
information

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Assignment 3: Cultural Activity Report
As a way of experiencing the Humanities beyond your
classroom, computer, and textbook, you are asked
to do a certain type of “cultural activity” that fits well with our
course and then report on your experience.
Your instructor will require you to propose an activity and get
instructor approval before you do it and
report on it (students should look for any instructions in that
respect). Every effort should be made to
ensure that this is a hands-on experience (not a virtual one), that
this activity fits the HUM 111 class well,
and that the activity is of sufficient quality for this university
course. The two (2) key types of activities are
a museum visit or a performance. Note: This must not be a
report on the same activity (and certainly not
the same report) as done for another class, like HUM 112. For
instance, one might go to the same
museum as done for HUM 112, but this HUM 111 report will
focus on entirely different works and
displays.
1. Visit a museum or gallery exhibition or attend a theater or
musical performance before the end of
Week 10. The activity (museum or performance) should have
content that fits our course well.
Have fun doing this.

2. Write a two to three (2-3) page report (500-750 words) that
describes your experience.
• Clearly identify the event location, date attended, the
attendees, and your initial reaction
upon arriving at the event.
• Provide specific information and a description of at least two
(2) pieces (e.g., art,
exhibits, music, etc.).
• Provide a summary of the event and describe your overall
reaction after attending the
event.
• Use at least the class text as a reference (additional sources
are fine, not necessary
unless required by your content). Your report should include
connections you make
between things observed in your activity and things learned in
the course and text.
Note: Submit your cultural event choice to the instructor for
approval before the end of Week 5 (earlier is
even better). Look for guidance from the instructor for how or
where to make your proposal. You may also
seek advice from your instructor (provide your town/state or zip
code) for a good activity in your general
area.
Visiting a Museum
• It makes sense to approach a museum the way a seasoned
traveler approaches visiting a city for

the first time. Find out what there is available to see. In the
museum, find out what sort of
exhibitions are currently housed in the museum and start with
the exhibits that interest you.
• If there is a travelling exhibition, it’s always a good idea to
see it while you have the chance.
Then, if you have time, you can look at other things in the
museum.
• Every effort should be made ahead of time to identify a
museum that has items and works one
can easily connect to our HUM 111 class and book. Since HUM
111 covers from ancient times to
the 1500s AD, it makes more sense to focus on items from that
time frame. In general, museums
with artistic cultural artifacts and fine arts work better than
history museums.
• Any questions about whether a museum-visit activity fits the
course and assignment well enough
will be decided by the instructor when the student seeks
approval for the activity. Any alternative
activity outside the normal ones listed here, such as for those
limited by disability or distance, will
be determined by the instructor. Normally we do not expect
students to travel over an hour to get
to an approved activity.

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• Take notes as you go through the museum and accept any
handouts or pamphlets that the
museum staff gives you. While you should not quote anything
from the printed material when you
do your report, the handouts may help to refresh your memory
later.
• The quality of your experience is not measured by the amount
of time you spend in the galleries
or the number of works of art that you actually see. The most
rewarding experiences can come
from finding two (2) or three (3) pieces of art or exhibits which
intrigue you and then considering
those works in leisurely contemplation. Most museums even
have benches where you can sit and
study a particular piece.
• If you are having a difficult time deciding which pieces to
write about, ask yourself these
questions: (1) If the museum you are visiting suddenly caught
fire, which two (2) pieces of art or
exhibits would you most want to see saved from the fire? (2)
Why would you choose those two
(2) particular pieces?
Attending a Performance

• Check your local colleges to see if there are any free or low-
cost performances or student
recitals. Student performances are generally of almost the same
quality as professional
performances, but typically cost much less. However,
performances of high school level or lower
will not meet this requirement.
• A performance that is relevant to a HUM 111 course is more
difficult to find than a performance
that would be relevant to HUM 112 (which covers from 1600 to
the present). However, our course
does cover Shakespeare and Greek tragedy and drama, so any
performances of those will work.
One can sometimes find music performances of music from the
Renaissance or Reformation
period, or even earlier.
• Any questions about whether a performance activity fits the
approval for an activity. Any alternative
• Unlike visiting a museum, where you can wear almost
anything, people attending performances
are often expected to “dress up” a bit.
• Take a pen or pencil with you and accept the program you are
offered by the usher; you will
probably want to take notes on it during or after the

performance.
• Turn off your cell phone before entering the auditorium. Do
not use your phone to record the
music or to take pictures or videos. To play it safe, turn the
phone off.
• Most long musical performances have at least one (1)
intermission. If the lights start blinking, it is
a sign that the performance is about to begin.
• Look for very specific things (such as a particular piece of
music or the way certain instruments
sounded at a specific time) which tend to stand out as either
enjoyable or not enjoyable. Be sure
to take notes of the things which you find enjoyable as well as
the things which are not enjoyable.
If a student is unable to attend a cultural event in person due to
circumstances beyond the student’s
control, then the instructor will recommend an alternate
event/activity for the student to “attend” online.
The “virtual” event / activity is usually only for students who,
due to their physical location, cannot possibly
attend an event / activity in person; typically, these students are
stationed overseas or have no means of
transportation. If you believe that you have a legitimate reason
for attending a “virtual” activity, you must
contact the instructor no later than Week 5 for your request to
be considered.

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Page 9 of 12
instructions. (Note: Students can find APA style materials
located in the course shell for
reference).
assignment are:

context.
cultural, and artistic expressions
writing mechanics.
Points: 100
Criteria
Unacceptable
Below 60% F
Meets
Minimum
Expectations

60-69% D
Fair
70-79% C
Proficient
80-89% B
Exemplary
90-100% A
1. Clearly identify the
event location, date
attended, the
attendees, and your
initial reaction upon
arriving at the event.
Weight: 15%
Did not submit or
incompletely

identified the
event location,
date attended, the
attendees, and
your initial
reaction upon
arriving at the
event.
Insufficiently
identified the
event location,
date attended,
the attendees,
and your initial
reaction upon
arriving at the
event.
Partially
identified the
event location,
date attended,
the attendees,
and your initial
reaction upon
arriving at the
event.
Satisfactorily
identified the
event location,
date attended,
the attendees,
and your initial
reaction upon

arriving at the
event.
Thoroughly
identified the
event location,
date attended,
the attendees,
and your initial
reaction upon
arriving at the
event.
2. Provide specific
information and a
description of at least
two (2) pieces (e.g.,
art, exhibits, music,
etc.).
Weight: 25%
Did not submit or
incompletely
provided specific
information and a
description of at
least two (2)
pieces (e.g., art,
exhibits, music,
etc.).
Insufficiently
provided
specific
information and
a description of

at least two (2)
pieces (e.g.,
art, exhibits,
music, etc.).
Partially
provided
specific
information and
a description of
at least two (2)
pieces (e.g.,
art, exhibits,
music, etc.).
Satisfactorily
provided
specific
information
and a
description of
at least two (2)
pieces (e.g.,
art, exhibits,
music, etc.).
Thoroughly
provided
specific
information
and a
description of
at least two (2)
pieces (e.g.,
art, exhibits,
music, etc.).

3. Provide a summary
of the event and
describe your overall
reaction after attending
the event.
Weight: 40%
Did not submit or
incompletely
provided a
summary of the
event. Did not
submit or
incompletely
described your
overall reaction
Insufficiently
provided a
summary of the
event.
Insufficiently
described your
overall reaction
after attending
the event.
Partially
provided a
summary of the
event. Partially
described your
overall reaction
after attending
the event.

Satisfactorily
provided a
summary of the
event.
Satisfactorily
described your
overall reaction
after attending
the event.
Thoroughly
provided a
summary of the
event.
Thoroughly
described your
overall reaction
after attending
the event.
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Page 10 of 12

after attending the
event.
4. Clarity, writing
mechanics,
referencing, and
formatting
requirements.
Weight: 20%
More than 8
errors present
7-8 errors
present
5-6 errors
present
3-4 errors
present
0-2 errors
present
HUM 111 – Student Notes
information

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Weekly Course Schedule
The purpose of the course schedule is to give you, at a glance,
the required preparation, activities, and
evaluation components of your course. For more information
about your course, whether on-ground or
online, access your online course shell.
The expectations for a 4.5 credit hour course are for students to
spend 13.5 hours in weekly work. This
time estimate includes preparation, activities, and evaluation
regardless of the delivery mode.
Instructional Materials
In order to be fully prepared, obtain a copy of the required
textbooks and other instructional materials
prior to the first day of class. When available, Strayer
University provides a link to the first three (3)
chapters of your textbook(s) in eBook format. Check your
online course shell for availability.
Review the online course shell or check with your professor to
determine whether Internet-based
assignments and activities are used in this course.
Strayer students are encouraged to purchase their course
materials through the Strayer Bookstore.
http://www.strayerbookstore.com If a lab is required for the
course, the Strayer Bookstore is the only
vendor that sells the correct registration code so that Strayer
students may access labs successfully.

Discussions
To earn full credit in an online threaded discussion, students
must have one original post and a minimum
of one other post per discussion thread.
Please note: Material in the online class will be made available
three weeks at a time to allow students to
work ahead, however, faculty will be focused on and responding
only to the current calendar week. As it
is always possible that students could lose their work due to
unforeseen circumstances, it is a best
practice to routinely save a working draft in a separate file
before posting in the course discussion area.
Professors hold discussions during class time for on-ground
students. Check with your professor if any
additional discussion participation is required in the online
course shell outside of class hours.
Tests
Tests (quizzes, midterm and final exams, essay exams, lab tests,
etc.) are available for student access
and completion through the online course shell. Check the
online course shell to determine how students
are expected to take the tests. Do not change these questions or
their point values in any way. This
disrupts the automated grade book preset in the online course
shell.
• Online students are to complete the test by Monday 9:00 a.m.
Details regarding due dates are
posted in the Blackboard Calendar tool.
• On-ground students are to complete the tests after the material
is covered and before the next
class session.

Assignments
A standardized performance grading rubric is a tool your
professor will use to evaluate your written
assignments. Review the rubric before submitting assignments
that have grading rubrics associated with
them to ensure you have met the performance criteria stated on
the rubric.
Grades are based on individual effort. There is no group
grading; however, working in groups in the
online or on-ground classroom is acceptable.
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Page 12 of 12
Assignments for online students are always submitted through
the online course shell. On-ground
professors will inform students on how to submit assignments,
whether in paper format or through the
online course shell.
Resources

The Resource Center navigation button in the online course
shell contains helpful links. Strayer University
Library Resources are available here as well as other important
information. You should review this area
to find resources and answers to common questions.
Technical support is available for the following:
• For technical questions, please contact Strayer Online
Technical Support by logging in to your
iCampus account at https://icampus.strayer.edu/login and
submitting a case under “Student
Center,” then “Submit Help Ticket.” If you are unable to log in
to your iCampus account, please
contact Technical Support via phone at (877) 642-2999.
• For concerns with your class, please access the
Solution
Center by logging in to your iCampus
account at https://icampus.strayer.edu/login and submitting a
case under “Student Center,” then
“Submit Help Ticket.” If you are unable to log in to your
iCampus account, please contact the IT
Help Desk at (866) 610-8123 or at mailto:[email protected]
TurnItIn.com is an optional online tool to assess the originality
of student written work. Check with your
professor for access and use instructions.

The Strayer Policies link on the navigation bar in the online
course shell contains academic policies. It is
important that students be aware of these policies.
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Page 1 of 12
Assignment 1: Essay

Choose one (1) of the topics below and develop a three to four
(3-4) paragraph essay (of at least 250-500
words) which adequately address the topic you have chosen.
Topic Choices
• There have been many theories regarding how the pyramids at
Giza were constructed. Most
experts agree that they were constructed as burial monuments
for pharaohs, but “how” these
ancient people constructed monuments of such great size
without modern machinery is a mystery
which is still being debated.
• No one can say for certain what happened to the Mayan
people, but theories abound and include
varied possible alternatives to explain the abrupt and mysterious
disappearance of the Mayan
civilization.
• It is believed that Queen Hatshepsut dressed as a man to gain
support of the Egyptians. After her
death, her successor removed as many remnants of her rule as
possible. Although a pharaoh,

her mummified remains and tomb have never been conclusively
found.
• Tutankhamen died young, at around 18 years of age. However,
his cause of death has not been
confirmed. Did he die of an injury, of illness, or was he
murdered?
• Considered the “Mummy’s Curse”, a series of unexplainable,
unfortunate, or tragic events that
happened to the people who were present at the opening of
Tutankhamen’s tomb.
• The monumental size and complexity of the Tomb of
Shihuangdi is astounding. It is believed that
the workers were forced to remain inside the tomb when it was
walled shut so they would not
reveal the secrets of its construction. What was the emperor’s
purpose for such an elaborate
burial place?
rubric.

Write a three to four (3-4) paragraph paper in which you:
1. Clearly state the “mystery” and provide a brief summary of at
least two (2) theories which could
explain the mystery. Because some theories may sound far-
fetched, include the source or
promoter of each theory – such as a scientist, a historian, a
theologian, etc.
2. Identify one (1) of the theories and provide at least two (2)
convincing reasons why the theory you
have chosen is the best one to explain the mystery.
3. Use at least two (2) sources besides the textbook. Note:
Wikipedia and other Websites do not
quality as academic resources.
sides; citations and references must follow APA style format.
Check with your professor for any

additional instructions. (Note: Students can find APA style
materials located in the course shell
for reference).
the required assignment page length.
assignment are:
information

permission of
Strayer University.
Page 2 of 12
context.
Renaissance
writing mechanics.

Points: 100
Assignment 1: Essay
Criteria
Unacceptable
Below 60% F
Meets
Minimum
Expectations
60-69% D

Fair
70-79% C
Proficient
80-89% B
Exemplary
90-100% A
1. Clearly state the
“mystery” and provide
a brief summary of at
least two (2) theories
which could explain the

mystery. Because
some theories may
sound far-fetched,
include the source or
promoter of each
theory – such as a
scientist, a historian, a
theologian, etc.
Weight: 40%
Did not submit or
incompletely
stated the
“mystery”. Did not
submit or
incompletely
provided a brief
summary of at
least two (2)
theories which
could explain the
mystery. Did not
submit or
incompletely
included the

source or
promoter of each
theory – such as
a scientist, a
historian, a
theologian, etc.
Insufficiently
stated the
“mystery” and
provided a brief
summary of at
least two (2)
theories which
could explain
the mystery.
Insufficiently
included the
source or
promoter of
each theory –
such as a
scientist, a
historian, a
theologian, etc.

Partially stated
the “mystery”
and provided a
brief summary of
at least two (2)
theories which
could explain
the mystery.
Partially
included the
source or
promoter of
each theory –
such as a
scientist, a
historian, a
theologian, etc.
Satisfactorily
stated the
“mystery” and
provided a brief
summary of at
least two (2)

theories which
could explain
the mystery.
Satisfactorily
included the
source or
promoter of
each theory –
such as a
scientist, a
historian, a
theologian, etc.
Thoroughly
stated the
“mystery” and
provided a brief
summary of at
least two (2)
theories which
could explain
the mystery.
Thoroughly
included the
source or

promoter of
each theory –
such as a
scientist, a
historian, a
theologian, etc.
2. Identify one (1) of
the theories and
provide at least two (2)
convincing reasons
why the theory you
have chosen is the
best one to explain the
mystery.
Weight: 35%
Did not submit or
incompletely
identified one (1)
of the theories
and did not
submit or
incompletely
provided at least

two (2)
convincing
reasons why the
theory you have
chosen is the
best one to
explain the
mystery.
Insufficiently
identified one
(1) of the
theories and
insufficiently
provided at
least two (2)
convincing
reasons why
the theory you
have chosen is
the best one to
explain the
mystery.

Partially
identified one
(1) of the
theories and
partially
provided at
least two (2)
convincing
reasons why
the theory you
have chosen is
the best one to
explain the
mystery.
Satisfactorily
identified one
(1) of the
theories and
satisfactorily
provided at
least two (2)
convincing
reasons why

the theory you
have chosen is
the best one to
explain the
mystery.
Thoroughly
identified one
(1) of the
theories and
thoroughly
provided at
least two (2)
convincing
reasons why
the theory you
have chosen is
the best one to
explain the
mystery.

information
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Page 3 of 12
3. 2 references –
number and quality
Weight: 5%
No references
provided
Does not meet
the required
number of

references; all
references
poor quality
choices.
Does not meet
the required
number of
references;
some
references poor
quality choices.
Meets number
of required
references; all
references
high quality
choices.
Exceeds
number of
required
references; all
references

high quality
choices.
4. Clarity ,writing
mechanics,
referencing, and
formatting
requirements
Weight: 20%
More than 8
errors present
7-8 errors
present
5-6 errors
present
3-4 errors
present
0-2 errors
present

information
permission of
Strayer University.
Page 4 of 12
The Project Paper focuses on a suggested topic related to art,
architecture, history, music, or
literature. The project will reflect your views and interpretation
of the topic. This project is designed to help

you stretch your mind and your abilities to be the creative,
innovative, and critical thinker you already are!
Choose one (1) of the topics from the list of topic choices
below. Read the topic carefully. Write a three to
four (3-4) page paper (750-1,000 words) that responds to each
of the items described in the topic.
Note: Submit your topic choice to the instructor for approval
before the end of Week 2.
For the topic you choose:
1. Support your ideas with specific, illustrative examples. If
there are questions or points associated
with your chosen topic, be sure to answer all of the listed
questions and address all of the items
in that topic. If your topic requires you to do several things
related to the topic, be sure to do each
of the things listed.
2. While some of the topics tend to lend themselves toward
particular writing genres, you are not
restricted to the specific format suggested for the individual
topic. For example, you may do an

“interview,” a “proposal,” a “letter,” a “short story,” a “blog,”
an “essay,” an “article,” or any other
written genre for almost any of the topics. The project is
intended to be fun as well as informative,
so feel free to be creative with the delivery of your information.
3. Use at least two (2) sources besides the textbook, which
counts as one (1) source. Note:
Wikipedia and other Websites do not quality as academic
resources.
Topic Choices
• Self-Portraits. Journal. The Renaissance artists Titian,
Rembrandt, and Durer have each painted
self-portraits. Imagine yourself as one of these artists (or
another artist of your choice that has
painted a self-portrait) and write a journal expressing your
thoughts on “your” art (in other words,
the journal entries the artist would probably write.) (1) Explain
“your” primary reason for painting a
self-portrait. (2) Describe “your” artistic choices in

composition: use of color, space, etc. (3)
Explain what the portrait represents about “you” (as the artist.)
(4) Explain “your” choices of
subject with regard to at least three (3) other specific pieces
“you” have painted.
• Ladies and Gentlemen. Survey and Report. Some may believe
that being “gentleman” or a “lady”
in today’s society is an outdated notion, but others may
disagree. (1) Briefly summarize the main
characteristics of a well-rounded person, “l’uomo universal,”
referring to specific sections within
the excerpt from The Courtier which identifies these
characteristics. (2) Create a “survey” based
on the identified characteristics and “poll” at least ten people to
find out whether or not the
characteristics are relevant for a “gentleman” or “lady” of
today. (3) Tabulate and discuss the
responses in terms of gender, age, vocation, etc. of your survey
participants, making note of any
interesting or surprising results which show up in your poll
answers. (4) Finally, explain whether
or not you agree with the characteristics expressed by
Castiglione in The Courtier.

• Bayeux Tapestry Experience. Letter. Imagine yourself as one
of the figures in the battle depicted
in the Bayeux Tapestry; in a letter home, you describe your
experience to your family. (1) Write a
first-person account of this historical event from the perspective
of one (1) of the figures in
tapestry. (2) Use your senses to describe your impression of the
event. (3) Describe specific
elements of the scene such as uniforms, weaponry, fighting
styles, etc. (4) Explain why you
believe your side was justified in participating in the battle and
how you would like the battle to be
remembered.
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Page 5 of 12
• Ancient Chinese Contributions. Essay. To win a trip to China,
you enter a contest to determine
the four (4) most useful contributions or inventions created by
the ancient Chinese. (1) Identify
eight to ten (8-10) of these useful inventions or contributions.
(2) Nominate four (4) that you
believe are the most ingenious or innovative. (3) Explain why
you believe these four (4)
inventions or contributions are the most useful inventions or
contributions from the ancient
Chinese. (4) Identify one (1) invention or contribution that you
cannot live without and explain
why.
rubric.
The Project Paper will be graded on:

1. The level to which the instructions were followed.
2. The extent to which all four (4) parts in the topic were
addressed.
3. The adequacy of information, examples, and details which
support the general claim or main
idea.
4. The relevance of the explanations and descriptions.
5. The inclusion of three (3) required references (two [2]
additional sources besides your textbook)
documented using APA style.
6. Adherence to standard rules of grammar, punctuation, and
mechanics.
instructions specific to the selected topic. (Note: Students can
find APA style materials located in

the course shell for reference).
assignment are:
context.

Renaissance.
writing mechanics.
information
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Page 6 of 12

Points: 200
Criteria
Unacceptable
Below 60% F
Meets
Minimum
Expectations
60-69% D

Fair
70-79% C
Proficient
80-89% B
Exemplary
90-100% A
1. The level to which
the instructions were
followed.

Weight: 15%
Did not submit or
incompletely
followed
instructions.
Insufficiently
followed
instructions.
Partially
followed
instructions.
Satisfactorily
followed
instructions.
Thoroughly
followed
instructions.
2. The extent to which
all four (4) parts in the

topic were addressed.
Weight: 20%
Did not submit or
incompletely
addressed all four
(4) parts in the
topic.
Insufficiently
addressed all
four (4) parts in
the topic.
Partially
addressed all
four (4) parts in
the topic.
Satisfactorily
addressed all
four (4) parts in
the topic.
Thoroughly

addressed all
four (4) parts in
the topic.
3. The adequacy of
information, examples,
and details which
support the general
claim or main idea.
Weight: 20%
Did not submit or
incompletely
provided
adequate
information,
examples, and
details which
support the
general claim or
main idea.
Insufficiently
provided
adequate

information,
examples, and
details which
support the
general claim or
main idea.
Partially
provided
adequate
information,
examples, and
details which
support the
general claim or
main idea.
Satisfactorily
provided
adequate
information,
examples, and
details which
support the
general claim

or main idea.
Thoroughly
provided
adequate
information,
examples, and
details which
support the
general claim
or main idea.
4. The relevance of the
explanations and
descriptions.
Weight: 20%
Did not submit or
incompletely
provided
explanations and
descriptions that
were relevant.
Insufficiently

provided
explanations
and
descriptions
that were
relevant.
Partially
provided
explanations
and descriptions
that were
relevant.
Satisfactorily
provided
explanations
and
descriptions
that were
relevant.
Thoroughly
provided
explanations

and
descriptions
that were
relevant.
5. 3 references –
number and quality
Weight: 5%
No references
provided
Does not meet
the required
number of
references; all
references
poor quality
choices.
Does not meet
the required
number of
references;
some

references poor
quality choices.
Meets number
of required
references; all
references
high quality
choices.
Exceeds
number of
required
references; all
references
high quality
choices.
6. Clarity ,writing
mechanics,
referencing, and
formatting
requirements
Weight: 20%

More than 8
errors present
7-8 errors
present
5-6 errors
present
3-4 errors
present
0-2 errors
present
information

permission of
Strayer University.
Page 7 of 12
As a way of experiencing the Humanities beyond your
classroom, computer, and textbook, you are asked
to do a certain type of “cultural activity” that fits well with our
course and then report on your experience.
Your instructor will require you to propose an activity and get
instructor approval before you do it and
report on it (students should look for any instructions in that
respect). Every effort should be made to
ensure that this is a hands-on experience (not a virtual one), that
this activity fits the HUM 111 class well,
and that the activity is of sufficient quality for this university
course. The two (2) key types of activities are
a museum visit or a performance. Note: This must not be a
report on the same activity (and certainly not

the same report) as done for another class, like HUM 112. For
instance, one might go to the same
museum as done for HUM 112, but this HUM 111 report will
focus on entirely different works and
displays.
1. Visit a museum or gallery exhibition or attend a theater or
musical performance before the end of
Week 10. The activity (museum or performance) should have
content that fits our course well.
Have fun doing this.
2. Write a two to three (2-3) page report (500-750 words) that
describes your experience.
• Clearly identify the event location, date attended, the
attendees, and your initial reaction
upon arriving at the event.
• Provide specific information and a description of at least two
(2) pieces (e.g., art,
exhibits, music, etc.).
• Provide a summary of the event and describe your overall
reaction after attending the

event.
• Use at least the class text as a reference (additional sources
are fine, not necessary
unless required by your content). Your report should include
connections you make
between things observed in your activity and things learned in
the course and text.
Note: Submit your cultural event choice to the instructor for
approval before the end of Week 5 (earlier is
even better). Look for guidance from the instructor for how or
where to make your proposal. You may also
seek advice from your instructor (provide your town/state or zip
code) for a good activity in your general
area.
Visiting a Museum
• It makes sense to approach a museum the way a seasoned
traveler approaches visiting a city for
the first time. Find out what there is available to see. In the

museum, find out what sort of
exhibitions are currently housed in the museum and start with
the exhibits that interest you.
• If there is a travelling exhibition, it’s always a good idea to
see it while you have the chance.
Then, if you have time, you can look at other things in the
museum.
• Every effort should be made ahead of time to identify a
museum that has items and works one
can easily connect to our HUM 111 class and book. Since HUM
111 covers from ancient times to
the 1500s AD, it makes more sense to focus on items from that
time frame. In general, museums
with artistic cultural artifacts and fine arts work better than
history museums.
• Any questions about whether a museum-visit activity fits the
approval for the activity. Any alternative

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Page 8 of 12
• Take notes as you go through the museum and accept any
handouts or pamphlets that the
museum staff gives you. While you should not quote anything
from the printed material when you
do your report, the handouts may help to refresh your memory
later.

• The quality of your experience is not measured by the amount
of time you spend in the galleries
or the number of works of art that you actually see. The most
rewarding experiences can come
from finding two (2) or three (3) pieces of art or exhibits which
intrigue you and then considering
those works in leisurely contemplation. Most museums even
have benches where you can sit and
study a particular piece.
• If you are having a difficult time deciding which pieces to
write about, ask yourself these
questions: (1) If the museum you are visiting suddenly caught
fire, which two (2) pieces of art or
exhibits would you most want to see saved from the fire? (2)
Why would you choose those two
(2) particular pieces?
Attending a Performance
• Check your local colleges to see if there are any free or low-
cost performances or student
recitals. Student performances are generally of almost the same

quality as professional
performances, but typically cost much less. However,
performances of high school level or lower
will not meet this requirement.
• A performance that is relevant to a HUM 111 course is more
difficult to find than a performance
that would be relevant to HUM 112 (which covers from 1600 to
the present). However, our course
does cover Shakespeare and Greek tragedy and drama, so any
performances of those will work.
One can sometimes find music performances of music from the
Renaissance or Reformation
period, or even earlier.
• Any questions about whether a performance activity fits the
approval for an activity. Any alternative

• Unlike visiting a museum, where you can wear almost
anything, people attending performances
are often expected to “dress up” a bit.
• Take a pen or pencil with you and accept the program you are
offered by the usher; you will
probably want to take notes on it during or after the
performance.
• Turn off your cell phone before entering the auditorium. Do
not use your phone to record the
music or to take pictures or videos. To play it safe, turn the
phone off.
• Most long musical performances have at least one (1)
intermission. If the lights start blinking, it is
a sign that the performance is about to begin.
• Look for very specific things (such as a particular piece of
music or the way certain instruments
sounded at a specific time) which tend to stand out as either
enjoyable or not enjoyable. Be sure
to take notes of the things which you find enjoyable as well as
the things which are not enjoyable.

If a student is unable to attend a cultural event in person due to
circumstances beyond the student’s
control, then the instructor will recommend an alternate
event/activity for the student to “attend” online.
The “virtual” event / activity is usually only for students who,
due to their physical location, cannot possibly
attend an event / activity in person; typically, these students are
stationed overseas or have no means of
transportation. If you believe that you have a legitimate reason
for attending a “virtual” activity, you must
contact the instructor no later than Week 5 for your request to
be considered.

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Page 9 of 12
instructions. (Note: Students can find APA style materials
located in the course shell for
reference).

assignment are:
context.
cultural, and artistic expressions
writing mechanics.
Points: 100

Criteria
Unacceptable
Below 60% F
Meets
Minimum
Expectations
60-69% D
Fair
70-79% C

Proficient
80-89% B
Exemplary
90-100% A
1. Clearly identify the
event location, date
attended, the
attendees, and your
initial reaction upon
arriving at the event.
Weight: 15%
Did not submit or

incompletely
identified the
event location,
date attended, the
attendees, and
your initial
reaction upon
arriving at the
event.
Insufficiently
identified the
event location,
date attended,
the attendees,
and your initial
reaction upon
arriving at the
event.
Partially
identified the
event location,
date attended,
the attendees,

and your initial
reaction upon
arriving at the
event.
Satisfactorily
identified the
event location,
date attended,
the attendees,
and your initial
reaction upon
arriving at the
event.
Thoroughly
identified the
event location,
date attended,
the attendees,
and your initial
reaction upon
arriving at the
event.

2. Provide specific
information and a
description of at least
two (2) pieces (e.g.,
art, exhibits, music,
etc.).
Weight: 25%
Did not submit or
incompletely
provided specific
information and a
description of at
least two (2)
pieces (e.g., art,
exhibits, music,
etc.).
Insufficiently
provided
specific
information and
a description of
at least two (2)
pieces (e.g.,

art, exhibits,
music, etc.).
Partially
provided
specific
information and
a description of
at least two (2)
pieces (e.g.,
art, exhibits,
music, etc.).
Satisfactorily
provided
specific
information
and a
description of
at least two (2)
pieces (e.g.,
art, exhibits,
music, etc.).
Thoroughly

provided
specific
information
and a
description of
at least two (2)
pieces (e.g.,
art, exhibits,
music, etc.).
3. Provide a summary
of the event and
describe your overall
reaction after attending
the event.
Weight: 40%
Did not submit or
incompletely
provided a
summary of the
event. Did not
submit or
incompletely
described your

overall reaction
Insufficiently
provided a
summary of the
event.
Insufficiently
described your
overall reaction
after attending
the event.
Partially
provided a
summary of the
event. Partially
described your
overall reaction
after attending
the event.
Satisfactorily
provided a
summary of the
event.

Satisfactorily
described your
overall reaction
after attending
the event.
Thoroughly
provided a
summary of the
event.
Thoroughly
described your
overall reaction
after attending
the event.
information

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Page 10 of 12
after attending the
event.
4. Clarity, writing
mechanics,
referencing, and
formatting
requirements.
Weight: 20%
More than 8
errors present
7-8 errors
present
5-6 errors
present

3-4 errors
present
0-2 errors
present
information
permission of
Strayer University.
Page 11 of 12
Weekly Course Schedule
The purpose of the course schedule is to give you, at a glance,

the required preparation, activities, and
evaluation components of your course. For more information
about your course, whether on-ground or
online, access your online course shell.
The expectations for a 4.5 credit hour course are for students to
spend 13.5 hours in weekly work. This
time estimate includes preparation, activities, and evaluation
regardless of the delivery mode.
Instructional Materials
In order to be fully prepared, obtain a copy of the required
textbooks and other instructional materials
prior to the first day of class. When available, Strayer
University provides a link to the first three (3)
chapters of your textbook(s) in eBook format. Check your
online course shell for availability.
Review the online course shell or check with your professor to
determine whether Internet-based
assignments and activities are used in this course.
Strayer students are encouraged to purchase their course
materials through the Strayer Bookstore.
http://www.strayerbookstore.com If a lab is required for the

course, the Strayer Bookstore is the only
vendor that sells the correct registration code so that Strayer
students may access labs successfully.
Discussions
To earn full credit in an online threaded discussion, students
must have one original post and a minimum
of one other post per discussion thread.
Please note: Material in the online class will be made available
three weeks at a time to allow students to
work ahead, however, faculty will be focused on and responding
only to the current calendar week. As it
is always possible that students could lose their work due to
unforeseen circumstances, it is a best
practice to routinely save a working draft in a separate file
before posting in the course discussion area.
Professors hold discussions during class time for on-ground
students. Check with your professor if any
additional discussion participation is required in the online
course shell outside of class hours.
Tests
Tests (quizzes, midterm and final exams, essay exams, lab tests,
etc.) are available for student access

and completion through the online course shell. Check the
online course shell to determine how students
are expected to take the tests. Do not change these questions or
their point values in any way. This
disrupts the automated grade book preset in the online course
shell.
• Online students are to complete the test by Monday 9:00 a.m.
Details regarding due dates are
posted in the Blackboard Calendar tool.
• On-ground students are to complete the tests after the material
is covered and before the next
class session.
Assignments
A standardized performance grading rubric is a tool your
professor will use to evaluate your written
assignments. Review the rubric before submitting assignments
that have grading rubrics associated with
them to ensure you have met the performance criteria stated on
the rubric.
Grades are based on individual effort. There is no group
grading; however, working in groups in the

online or on-ground classroom is acceptable.
information
permission of
Strayer University.
Page 12 of 12
Assignments for online students are always submitted through
the online course shell. On-ground
professors will inform students on how to submit assignments,
whether in paper format or through the
online course shell.
Resources

The Resource Center navigation button in the online course
shell contains helpful links. Strayer University
Library Resources are available here as well as other important
information. You should review this area
to find resources and answers to common questions.
Technical support is available for the following:
• For technical questions, please contact Strayer Online
Technical Support by logging in to your
iCampus account at https://icampus.strayer.edu/login and
submitting a case under “Student
Center,” then “Submit Help Ticket.” If you are unable to log in
to your iCampus account, please
contact Technical Support via phone at (877) 642-2999.
• For concerns with your class, please access the

HUM 111 – Assignments and Rubrics © 2014 Strayer Unive.docx

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