Gather as much relevant information from the class materials as you think will allow you to adequately answer your question.
Conceptualize a one to two sentences answer to your question.
Use that one or two sentence answer as your thesis statement.
Construct an outline that will guide your writing of the essay.
Write an introduction that expands your thesis statement.
Write several paragraphs that provide a change over time narrative.
Write a conclusion, and not a summary.