Humanities Final -- Western Civilization -- December 17, 2012
re·li·gion [ri-lij-uhn]–noun
1. a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, esp. when considered as the creation of a
superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral
code governing the conduct of human affairs. 2. a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed
upon by a number of persons or sects: the Christian religion; the religion of Islam; the Jewish religion. 3. the body of
persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs and practices.
Source: dictionary.com
Long Essay (30 Points)
Characterize the nature of Western Civilization’s religious structure by 1300 CE as well as its development to that
point.
There are two requirements for a passing essay. First, you must have a thesis that you prove. Second, your essay must
be comprehensive, covering the entire period from 3000 BCE-1300 CE. You do not have to write about everything
that we have covered in class. You simply must be sure not to leave out any major time period. The best approach is
to break the quarter into three portions:
1. Antiquity: Sumer to Hellenism —3000 BCE to 30 BCE (Anything pre-midterm)
2. Roman Republic and Empire – 500 BCE to 476 CE
3. The Middle Ages – 476 CE to 1300 CE
Then use the best two or three concrete and specific examples from each time period to prove your thesis. You
should draw these examples from your readings or class lectures/discussions and choose them carefully to show the
breadth and depth of your historical knowledge. As you present your examples, you must present them as an historian
would, chronologically. When thinking about how to provide concrete and specific examples, be mindful of the DDS
process. Each thorough example will include the date, its description as well as its significance for/connection to your
thesis about the development of religion in Western Civilization. Please do NOT just string together DDSes, but rather
use the process to ensure you provide a complete explanation.
What do you know about Religion? Lots! Consider the following as you craft your argument and choose your
examples:
Jesus of Nazareth, Christianity, Paul of Tarsus, Pope, Catholic Church, Augustine, Monasticism, Simony,
Charlemagne, Eastern Orthodox Church, Islam, Plurality within Islam, 5 Pillars, Muhammad, Lay Investiture,
Crusades, Scholasticism, Thomas Aquinas, Avignon Papacy, Jews
Identification Terms (20 points)
DDS four of the terms below, making sure to include at least 1 from EACH CATEGORY. I will narrow this list
down to only 6 for the exam. Study carefully. Plan and prepare ahead of time the concrete and specific examples that
show your understanding, nay mastery, of the text and class material.
ROMAN REPUBLIC
Punic Wars
The Brothers Gracchi
Senate
Paterfamilias
ROMAN EMPIRE
Julius Caesar
Augustus
Constantine
MIDDLE AGES
Charlemagne
Feudalism
Crusades