History 101: Western Civilization

Essay Topics for Test 2



1. Discuss the origins and spread of Christianity through around 500 A.D. Explain the reasons for its success. Discuss the early doctrinal developments in Christianity. Include the growth in power of the popes, the rise of monasticism, and the writings of the early fathers: Jerome, Ambrose, and Augustine.

2. Discuss the writings of the early Church Fathers: Jerome, Ambrose, and Augustine, and assess the relationship between classical Graeco-Roman thought and early Christianity. What was the significance of The City of God?

3. Compare and contrast the civilizations of the Byzantine Empire, the Muslim world, and Latin Christendom up to about the year 1000  A.D. Assess the contribution of Charlemagne to the growth of Europe. What was the Carolingian Renaissance?

4. Discuss the rise of feudalism in western Europe. Discuss the expansion of Europe beginning in the 11th century. Trace the relationship between economic developments, the rise of towns, and the growth of the bourgeoisie.

5. Discuss the growth of papal power during the High Middle Ages. Assess the significance of the Crusades. Discuss reform and dissent within the Church during the Middle Ages. Include the significance of the Waldensians, Cathari, Franciscans and Dominicans.

6. Discuss the revival of learning in the 12th century. Include the rise of universities, the "recovery of Aristotle," medieval science and law.What was the medieval world view? How did it differ from the modern world view?

7. Discuss medieval philosophy. Assess the contributions of Anselm, Abelard, and Aquinas. Discuss the breakdown of the medieval synthesis in the 14th century. Include the Black Death, social tensions, warfare, and the decline of the papacy.

8. Discuss the Italian Renaissance. Include humanism, political thought, and renaissance art. "Erasmus laid the egg that Luther hatched." Discuss the Reformation in light of the previous statement.


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