HISTORY 151 - ESSAY
DUE: March 9
25 points
Please
choose one of the following questions and write a thoughtful response. Your
essay should be a minimum of 3 - 4 pages, double-spaced, typed and carefully
proofread. I am interested in your opinion on these questions based on
the material covered, and your own individual knowledge and insights. Support
your statements and conclusions with specific reference to the material
covered in class. Be sure to use proper essay format – an introductory
paragraph (or paragraphs), the body of your essay where you address your key
arguments/points of discussion in ordered paragraphs, and then a summary,
restating concluding paragraph.
You can
submit this paper to me via E-mail as an attachment, drop it off at my office, or
fax it. I am very willing to look at rough drafts (send these via
email) if you would like to start on this writing assignment early, to get
feedback before you submit it for a grade which will help you improve your
writing and your final point score.
QUESTIONS:
1) It is clear from
these first units (and will continue to be evident in discussions to come) that
religion plays an important part in understanding the character and distinctive
features of a civilization. Choose one of the civilizations we have covered and
explain how religious beliefs were integral to and influenced the following
aspects of their society: their political system, their social system,
their historical experience, and their world view (how they believed the
world/universe works and the role of humans in the world.) Make as many
connections between religion, and other aspects of the culture, that you can.
2. If
you had a chance to go back to visit one of the civilizations we have covered,
which one would you choose? Explain your choice by describing as thoroughly
as possible the characteristics of this civilization and the reasons for your preference. I am looking for both your
knowledge of, and your opinions on, this culture or civilization. You can
include the "pre-civilized" or hunter gatherer period in your list of
choices. You should indicate the time period you are visiting, and which group
you would join in the society (i.e. male/female, ruler or ruled.)
3. In this course, four themes have been used to
compare early civilizations: the role of geography, the development and
importance of religious beliefs, the search for stability, and the role of
empires in world history. If you were to suggest another theme for a
world civilizations course (History 151), what would it be? Explain the topic
or idea, why you think it is a significant theme, and provide examples of
topics that would be covered in the civilizations we have addressed related to
this topic.
4. Why do you think
World History is a required course? What kind of insights and knowledge
are gained from looking at the past that are necessary for a well-rounded,
well-educated person. Support your general observations with specific
material and examples covered in the class.
You should address a minimum of three reasons.
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