Short Answer Essay Examination

Friday March 7, 2008

History of World Civilization II

Spring Semester

1. Present an analysis of the Axial Age (800-200 BCE) that witnessed major advances in the world’s political, philosophical, and religious systems. What is its legacy to the modern world?

2. Present an analysis of the term “culture.” What is meant by the term cultural syncretism? Provide an analysis as to elements and features of the Old Testament book of Genesis that clearly illustrate religious syncretism. What does this examination reveal about the Western world view?

3. Present an analysis of Hindu philosophy and how it represents a rational system of order in the universe and in individual life reflected through the concepts of: dharma, karma, caste, samsara, and moksha.

4. Siddartha Gautama (Buddha) identified human suffering as the key problem of life and sought a means of emancipation from it. Provide an analysis of this philosophy and how it contrasts to that of Judaism and Christianity.

5. Present an analysis as to the commonalities and or differences in world views reflected through the literary myth of Hinduism and Christianity concerning: creation of man, the nature of man, essence of life, and the nature of God.

Directions

Place your name and section number at the top of the page. Repeat each question as it appears above. Space down two spaces using “time new roman” size fourteen (14) font double spaced and proceed to present your answer. Each question is worth twenty (20) points; ten (10) for written presentation and ten (10) points for historical accuracy. Utilize all necessary MLA requirements for citation and work cited page. Staple your examination at the top left hand corner.

All exams are due in class on Monday March 24^th. No late exams accepted without prior written consent.