For this assignment, you will assess the reasons for the Fall of Rome, then will explain your choices. 

Step 1

Read the article below entitled "Reasons for the Fall of Rome." Weigh carefully which reasons you believe would have had the most impact, some impact and none at all. 

Step 2

Open the worksheet "Fall of Rome" below. Here you will assign a percentage for each of the eight factors given. The percentages must add up to 100. You might decide that one factor was 50% responsible for the fall of the Roman Empire. You will then need to assign the remaining 50% amongst the other factors. Most likely, you will decide that some factors given here were not responsible at all. In that case, you will write 0%. Still, you must be able to defend that choice. 

You will rely on the article for information as well as the course. You may also do outside research, but this is not required. 

Now, you will give reasons for each of your percentages. How persuaded are you by the evidence given in the handout and in the course? For example, you might say that you are unconvinced that lead pipes had anything to do with it, but you must be able to defend that, explaining why you are unconvinced. 

Step 3

Write a persuasive paragraph explaining why Rome fell. You must refer to all eight reasons. Imagine that you are trying your best to convince someone of your point of view. 

Your paragraph will end up sounding something like, "The main reason that Rome fell is this, though this and this were likely factors. However, this, this and this had nothing to do with it." Your paragraph must explain the details of your thinking. 

This will be marked according to the rubric below. 

Insert required rubric