Assignment
You will need to choose one of the questions from each section and answer with an essay that includes detail, examples and citations. Go beyond simply stating the facts and do not copy directly from the book.
The long essay would be a traditional essay that typically five paragraphs long. The first paragraph should introduce the topic and state the student's position / answer to the question. It should contain between three-five (3-5) complete sentences, including the thesis statement for the essay. The second, third, and fourth paragraphs are the body paragraphs. Each body paragraph should contain between three-five sentences, including the topic sentence (first sentence of the body paragraph, states a main point that supports the thesis) and at least two-three specific examples per main point. The fifth and final paragraph should begin with a restatement of the thesis. It should be three-five complete sentences, and include a brief summary/conclusion of the student's answer to the essay question. It is essential, particularly in the survey courses, for students to provide cites and footnotes for their work in untimed exams. Citations must adhere to the Chicago Style format but perfection is not expected. An example of common citations are included on pages four and five of this edition.
Choose 1 question to answer
Question 1
Choose one of the following and answer in a full essay with examples, details and citations:
1) Why was Egypt so rarely invaded? How did that contribute to their stability?
2) Why were the Persians able to create such a large empire?
3) Compare Jainism, Hinduism and Buddhism. How were these religions influenced by India's social structure?
4) How did Ashoka's rule change India?
Choose 1 question to answer
Question 2
Choose one and answer in a full essay with citaitons, details and examples:
1) Why did Sparta institute such strict military controls?
2) How did Athens be become a democracy?
3) What brought about an end to the Roman Republic?
4) How did the Silk Road influence the Han dynasty?
Choose 1 question to answer
Question 3
Choose one and answer in a full essay with citations, examples and details:
1) How did monasticism help to spread Christianity?
2) How did the Franks bring about lasting European kingdom?
3) What contributions to learning and innovation did the Abbasid's make under the leadership of Harun al-Rashid?
4) What was the role of women in Classical Islamic society?
Choose 1 question to answer
Choose one and answer in a full essay with citations, examples and details:
1) What changed in India with the coming of Muslim rule?
2) What was the importance of guilds in the medieval European towns?
3) How did the ideas of Humanism influence religious reform?
4) How did the Catholic Church respond to the Reformation?