anthropology writing paper 01 7
Last week we discussed the extinction of the megafauna at the end the Pleistocene epoch. Your assignment is to write a short essay (700 – 1000 words) that summarizes the required readings and lecture material from Week 3 and includes the following:
- What were the megafauna? When did they likely go extinct? Give some examples megafauna that did and did not go extinct.
- What were the potential causes of this extinction event? In answering this question, briefly summarize the three main hypotheses – (1) overkill, (2) climate change, and (3) the Younger Dryas Impact hypothesis.
- For each hypothesis, include a critical discussion of specific evidence that supports and challenges each hypothesis.
- As discussed in lecture, each of these hypotheses has weaknesses. What new evidence or research might strengthen or falsify each of them?
- Provide a critical synthesis of what you think is the most likely cause, or mixture of causes, given current evidence.
- You must cite and discuss at least one of the recommended readings in addition to each of the required readings(note that this does not include the websites to explore or Chapter 1 from Oregon Archaeology).
- You must include both in-text citations and a bibliography for all articles you reference. Please format citations and references using APA style (i.e., not MLA). You may pull information from lecture material, but it must be appropriately cited. You will be graded on writing quality, so be sure to check spelling, grammar, and sentence clarity.
Grading Rubric:
Criteria | Ratings | Pts | |||||
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This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeMegafauna: What and when?What were the megafauna? When did they likely go extinct? Give some examples of megafauna that did and did not go extinct. |
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1.5 pts |
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This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeExample extinct/ extantGive some examples megafauna that did and did not go extinct. |
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1.0 pts |
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This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeOverkill: summarize support and challengeSummarize + Include a critical discussion of specific evidence that supports and challenges each hypothesis. |
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2.5 pts |
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This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeOverkill: new evidenceAs discussed in lecture, each of these hypotheses has weaknesses. What new evidence or research might strengthen or falsify each of them. |
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1.0 pts |
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This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeClimate change: summarize support and challengeSummarize + Include a critical discussion of specific evidence that supports and challenges each hypothesis. |
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2.5 pts |
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This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeClimate change: new evidenceAs discussed in lecture, each of these hypotheses has weaknesses. What new evidence or research might strengthen or falsify each of them. |
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1.0 pts |
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This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeYDI: summarize support and challengeYounger Dryas Impact: Summarize + Include a critical discussion of specific evidence that supports and challenges each hypothesis. |
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2.5 pts |
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This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeYDI: new evidenceYounger Dryas Impact: As discussed in lecture, each of these hypotheses has weaknesses. What new evidence or research might strengthen or falsify each of them. |
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1.0 pts |
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This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeSynthesis: most likelyProvide a critical synthesis of what you think is the most likely cause, or mixture of causes, given current evidence. |
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2.0 pts |
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This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome1+ articles usedYou must cite and discuss at least one of the recommended readings in addition to each of the required readings (note that this does not include the websites to explore or Chapter 1 from Oregon Archaeology). |
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2.0 pts |
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This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeCitation and bibliography |
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2.0 pts |
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This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeSpelling and grammarSpelling and grammar mistakes – 0.25 for each. |
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1.0 pts |
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Total Points: 20.0 |