1. The Hellenistic age of fourth century BCE was a period in history when Greek
culture and power was extended across the then known world. As a result of Phillip
of Macedon and his son Alexander "The Great" this process of Hellenism
would greatly impact later civilizations such as the Romans, Christians, and
Islam. Provide an analysis on the essence of this process of cultural syncretism
within the conquered territories in the areas of: politics, law, literature,
philosophy, religion, and art.
Sources:
Article:
Professor Gerhard Rempel, Western New England College Hellenistic Civilization
Power Point Presentation:
Reference The World's History Volume 1: Prehistory to 1500, Howard Spodek, Pearson Prentice Hall, 2006, pp. 157-159 Hellenistic Civilization
2. Present a characterization of the magnificent accomplishments of the Roman Empire in the area of architectural and technical innovation, political organization, and law. Despite these and many other accomplishments the Roman Empire began to decline in the 2nd century. Provide an analysis as to the reasons for this decline and its final demise and fall. How are some of these reasons for the decline and fall of the Roman Empire relevant to the modern western world?
Sources:
Internet Site:
World Civilization: An Internet Classroom and Anthology, Washington State University,
1996, Richard Hooker: A Glossary
of Roman Culture and Concepts
Video:
"The Western Tradition" Annenberg Media Learner.Org: The Decline of the Roman Empire
"The Western Tradition" Annenberg Media Learner.Org: The Fall of the Roman Empire
Francis Schaeffer: "How Should We Then Live The Roman Age"
3. Provide a characterization and analysis of the controversy surrounding the "nature of Jesus" and the ultimate results of the Council of Nicea in 325 CE.
Sources:
Internet Site:
Video:
YouTube.com: When Jesus Became God
YouTube.com: What Was the Council of Nicea All About?
4. Present an analysis of the primary elements and beliefs within the Islamic faith. Describe in detail the legacy of the Islamic culture to the western world.
Sources:
Power Point Presentation:
Video:
PBS 3-part series production narrated by Ben Kingsley: Islam Empire of Faith Part II
YouTube.com presentation by Dr. Sulayman Nyang: The Transmission of Knowledge From Arabia to Europe
YouTube.com presentation by Dr. Sulayman Nyang: Muslims Were the Custodians of Greek Knowledge
YouTube.com presentation by Dr. Sulayman Nyang: Muslim Spain: A Major Center of Civilization
YouTube.com presentation: Science in Islamic History
5. According to Hadith tradition the great jihad is the one in which individuals "struggle to correct their heart and minds against one’s desires and sinful inclinations within themselves." This is the jihad of the soul. This type of Jihad is the internal spiritual and moral struggle which should lead to the victory over the ego. Provide an analysis of comparison and contrast to this concept of 'jihad' to the world view of Christianity that describes life as a cosmic battle between 'good' and 'evil'. What connections can be made between this concept of 'jihad' and the concept of 'dharma' presented within the Vedic Hindu text of the Upanishads? Finally, what comparisons can be made to the Islamic 'jihad' and the Bhuddaic concept of 'dukkha' which claims that human existence consists entirely of suffering?
Sources:
Power Point Presentation:
The Birth of a New Religion: Christianity
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 my office (SB 123) on Monday May 5th between 9-12 Noon.
No late exams accepted without prior written consent.