2312 Midterm
Dr. Brunet
Name______________________________
Of the following, choose two to answer. Remember to write a complete
essay, with an introduction, points of discussion, and a conclusion.
Plagiarism will not be tolerated. Use this page as a cover sheet.
The 16th and 17th centuries can be characterized as an age of religious and political
change and conflict.
Characterize the Roman Catholic Church’s reaction to the Protestant Reformation and
how did it differ (or not) from the response of the rulers of Catholic states? What lasting
effects did these religious/political conflicts have on Europe? Finally, do you see ANY
positive aspect of these conflicts? Explain.
Was the Protestant Reformation motivated by weaknesses in the Catholic Church and
the Catholic hierarchy or were there other factors involved? Explain. Do you think a
“reformation” would have happened without Martin Luther? Furthermore, once the
Protestant Reformation was in full swing, was it wholly religious in nature? Again,
explain your reasoning.
What put the “human” in humanism and why was it important to the Renaissance? Was
the Renaissance a “rebirth”? If yes, what was reborn or if no, why not? Did the
Renaissance produce anything original? Give examples. Finally, was the Renaissance a
“golden age”? Explain your answer.