HIST 1003 Chapter : CumulativequestionsFall11
History 1001, Western Civilizations to 1500
Fall 2011
Possible cumulative essay question for Final Exam
Prof. Dietz
Two of the following three essay questions will appear on our final exam, Monday, Dec. 5,
2011, 7:30 am – 9:30 am. You will have to answer one of two possible questions. Below are
the actual directions for the essay question. You will not be allowed to bring in any notes,
outlines or essays into the final exam. Your essay must be written during the final exam in your
bluebook. The major civilizations we have studied this semester are Near Eastern
(Mesopotamian, Egyptian, Hebrew, Hittite, Persian, etc.), Greek (Bronze age, Archaic, Classical,
Hellenistic, etc.), Roman (Etruscans, Roman monarchy, Carthaginian, Roman Republic and
Empire) and Medieval (Germanic, Byzantine, Islamic, Viking, England, France, Ireland, etc.).
Your essay should include discussion and analysis of at least one primary source (written or
material) from each of the four main divisions of history we have studied but NOT from every
single civilization or culture we studied (an impossible task). For example your essay might
discuss some aspect of the Hebrews with source evidence as an example for the Near Eastern
civilization, some aspect of Archaic Greek culture as an example of Greek civilization, etc. Do
remember to be specific, use the primary sources, and avoid huge generalizations. Consider
using material evidence as another example of a primary source as well.
******Three topics are listed below – only two will appear on the final exam****
Section V
Choose one [1] essay question to answer. Include the number of the question in your bluebook.
Your answer should be in the form of an essay. It should be organized, clear and detailed. Read
the questions carefully. Be as thorough and precise as possible. Include evidence from the
primary sources to illustrate your argument (at least four sources). Essays should be a
couple of pages long at least. Be sure to include evidence (at least one source each) from each of
the major civilizations we studied: Near Eastern, Greek, Roman, and Medieval. Be specific in
your account. Worth 30 points total.
1. Reconstructing and studying the lives of women in early civilizations can be at times a
difficult task due to the nature of early source material. Discuss the women's lives during the
periods we discussed. Possible themes to explore include their political, religious, intellectual,
and/or domestic roles. Think too how these roles changed or did not change over time.
2. Throughout the period we have studied warfare played an important role. Discuss the role of
warfare in the civilizations we have studied; possible areas to explore include style of warfare,
expansion and conquest, influence on political structures, the role of soldiers and warriors in
society, women and warfare, revolt and dissent, and religious aspects of warfare.
3. Climate and geography play an essential role in the development and nature of early
civilizations. Discuss the impact of geography in the development of the many civilizations we
have studied this semester. Possible areas of exploration include the impact on agriculture,
politics, religion, culture, trade, and expansion.
Document Summary
Two of the following three essay questions will appear on our final exam, monday, dec. 5, You will have to answer one of two possible questions. Below are the actual directions for the essay question. You will not be allowed to bring in any notes, outlines or essays into the final exam. Your essay must be written during the final exam in your bluebook. The major civilizations we have studied this semester are near eastern (mesopotamian, egyptian, hebrew, hittite, persian, etc. ), roman (etruscans, roman monarchy, carthaginian, roman republic and. Empire) and medieval (germanic, byzantine, islamic, viking, england, france, ireland, etc. For example your essay might discuss some aspect of the hebrews with source evidence as an example for the near eastern civilization, some aspect of archaic greek culture as an example of greek civilization, etc. Do remember to be specific, use the primary sources, and avoid huge generalizations.
