PORTFOLIO Semester 1 2025
FINAL PORTFOLIO
Detailed Solutions, References & Explanations
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Due Date: May 2025
SECTION A: REVIEW OF ASSESSMENT 1
Part 1: Writing an Introduction for an Essay
The introduction I wrote aimed to frame the historical question clearly by focusing on
how the French invasion of Egypt was not just a military campaign but also a cultural
encounter with lasting effects. I highlighted the central themes of knowledge production,
colonial representation, and gender to position the essay within broader historical
debates. Balancing background and a clear thesis was not too difficult because the
historical context naturally led into the argument. However, it was challenging to avoid
providing too much background while ensuring clarity.
To keep the introduction concise yet informative, I focused on the main ideas without
elaborating on details better suited for the body of the essay. I used strong topic
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Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is" without any express or
implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the
information contained within this document. This document is intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes.
Reproduction, resale, or transmission of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
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SECTION A: REVIEW OF ASSESSMENT 1
Part 1: Writing an Introduction for an Essay
The introduction I wrote aimed to frame the historical question clearly by focusing
on how the French invasion of Egypt was not just a military campaign but also a
cultural encounter with lasting effects. I highlighted the central themes of knowledge
production, colonial representation, and gender to position the essay within broader
historical debates. Balancing background and a clear thesis was not too difficult
because the historical context naturally led into the argument. However, it was
challenging to avoid providing too much background while ensuring clarity.
To keep the introduction concise yet informative, I focused on the main ideas
without elaborating on details better suited for the body of the essay. I used strong
topic sentences and limited the scope to key issues that support the thesis. To
ensure the introduction set up a strong argument, I linked Napoleon’s intentions
with the contrasting Egyptian response, showing the complexity of cultural
imperialism. If I were to rewrite it, I might clarify the thesis more by explicitly stating
the argument, for example: “This essay argues that cultural resistance undermined
France’s imperial ambitions.” That would make the central claim more focused and
assertive from the start.
Part 2: Creating an Annotated Bibliography
Reading and analysing multiple sources significantly deepened my understanding
of the French invasion of Egypt by revealing its complex cultural, political, and
ideological dimensions. Rather than seeing the invasion as purely military, the
sources highlighted how it was also an intellectual and symbolic act of domination.
Edward Said’s Orientalism was especially impactful because it provided a powerful
theoretical lens to understand how the French used knowledge as a tool for control,
framing Egypt as inferior and in need of Western guidance. Among the sources,
Said’s work was the most useful for my argument because it explained the deeper
ideological motivations behind colonialism and how these were reflected in French
cultural policies and scholarly activities. To determine each source's purpose and
audience, I examined the language, publication context, and author background. I
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is"
without any express or implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or
liability for any actions taken based on the information contained within this document. This document is
intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes. Reproduction, resale, or transmission
of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.