HSTR 101 – WESTERN CIVILIZATION
Topic 1 – The Ancient World & Greece
Essay Exam Study Guide
Directions – Be prepared to write ONE essay in class, which could be based on one of the
following essay prompts. You may use this study guide during your test (so you may want to write
some ideas on it!). Your essay must follow these guidelines:
 The essay should be at least 5 paragraphs in length.
 The essay must contain a THESIS.
 The essay must contain specific examples, quotes, and paraphrases from authoritative
sources (Hunt, primary source documents, etc.). You should provide attribution to these
sources (Ex: “According to Lynn Hunt…”).
 The essay must be written legibly.
 The essay must be completed during the class period (you may not take longer than the
single class, nor may you write this outside of class ahead of time).
Possible Prompts:
1. How did Mesopotamian Civilization develop, and what were some of the characteristics of
its society?
2. Compare and contrast the Athenian and Spartan societies, using examples to illustrate their
similarities and differences.
3. Analyze the relationship between the ideal and reality in Periclean Athens. How were the
ideals reflected in the more realistic descriptions of daily life? Analyze the benefits and
dangers of the Athenian democracy.
4. Analyze what led to the Peloponnesian War, and what did each side hope to obtain in the
beginning of the war? Discuss how the course of the war changed those objectives for each
side. Why did Athens ultimately lose the war?
5. The arts in Athens have become one of the cornerstones of Western Civilization. How did
the democracy foster the development of the arts such as philosophy and theater? What
were the dangers of unrestrained commentary such as what is found in Socrates’ constant
questioning? What were the benefits of it?