Homework: Past Due

9/9#1 Course Guidelines and Requirements

Read them, sign them. Have your parents read them; have your parents sign them. Return the full document to me on Monday.

1. In your experience and from what you have learned thus far in your life: What is history?  Explain your answer.

2. Why does history contain errors?

3. Explain in your own words the four theories of History that Landry describes. Which of these do you find most acceptable? Explain your answer.

9/10 #3 How do we organize History? Read "POP" 3-7

1. Using a dictionary, define the following: Society; Economics; Politics; Culture; Science; Technology.

2. How can you explain the existence of many different Calendars throughout the world? (Can you think of any examples that were not in the reading?)

3. Draw a simple time line of your life. You might include religious ceremonies, educational landmarks (i.e. graduations, first days, awards, etc.) family moves etc. Be sure to include dates!

9/11#4 What on earth is Geography? "POP" 8-11

1. Define the following terms: latitude; longitude; prime meridian

2. Some people say that it is not all that important to know where events in history have happened. Would you agree or disagree with such a sentiment? Explain you answer.

3. In your opinion what is the most important geographical feature that a country can possess? (ex. rivers, mountains, coastline, deserts, etc.). Explain your answer.

1. Using each of the geography themes describe a familiar place (i.e your home, Stuyvesant High School, your old middle school, a vacation destination...)

9/13 #6 Area Studies: CIA World Factbook; Atlapedia Online Atlas

Write a brief statistical outline about the country you were assigned in class. Include the following information:

1. Land area 2. Coastline 3. Population. 4. Population growth rate 5. Arable land 6. Agriculture products 7. GDP, GDP per capita, and GDP growth rate 8. Export products 9. Import products 10. Government 11. Landforms of significance/terrain (i.e. mountains, deserts, major rivers) 12. Quality of transportation 13. Natural resources 14. Primary language 15. Environmental concerns 16. Climate 17. Predominate religion 18. Literacy Rates 19. Anything else you find interesting or of note.

9/17 #7 Physical Geography:

Locate and Identify all of the following:

A. Continents:

Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, South America

B. Deserts:

Sahara, Gobi,

C. Oceans and Seas

Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Black Sea, Caspian Sea, Red Sea; South China Sea; Yellow Sea

D. Mountain Ranges

Himalaya, Andes, Rockies, Atlas, Caucasus, Alps; Atlas; Tian Shan

E. Rivers:

Nile, Amazon, Mississippi, Hwang He (Yellow), Yangtze, Ganges, Indus, Brahmaputra, Volga, Danube, Tigris, Euphrates, Rio Grande, Congo, Niger; Zambezi

F. Miscellaneous

Persian Gulf, Strait of Gibraltar, Cape Horn, Cape of Good Hope, Gulf of Mexico; Shat al Arab; Straits of Malacca;

G. Measures

Equator, Tropic of Cancer, Tropic of Capricorn, Arctic Circle, Antarctic Circle; Prime Meridien

9/20 #8 The Creation of Earth and Humans.  The Beginning and the End/Creation of Man and Star Wars

1. How might you explain similarities between various myths from different regions and cultures and ages throughout the world?

2. Ms. Farmer explains that in many myths something is destroyed in order for something else to be created. Is this possible? Why? Why not? Give specific examples to support your ideas.

3. George Lucas has said that he sought to re-create the ancient myths for modern humans through his Star Wars films. Do you agree or disagree with Lucas's view that it is important for humans to always have myths? Explain your answer.

9/23 #9 How did early humans develop and survive (part 1)? 'POP' 16-20; The Coming of Fire (read carefully!)

l. Define: Prehistory; hominid

2. What is the difference between and anthropologist and an archaeologist?

3. Why was fire such an important element to the lives of humans?

4. Explain the differences between homo habilis, Australopithecus, and homo erectus.

9/25#10 From "upright man" to "doubly wise humans"( part 2) 'POP' 21-24; Discovery Suggests Humans Are a Bit Neanderthal

1. How were Neanderthals able to survive through the harsh climate of the last ice age?

2. How do some scientists explain the success of Cro-Magnon man while Neanderthal man faltered? With which theory do you most agree? Why? How might recent DNA evidence affect the way humans relate (or are related to) to the ancient past?

3. Describe the three theories that seek to explain cave art. Explain which theory you think is most likely.( If you want to see some amazing cave paintings click the link below!)

For More Info (Optional): THE CAVE OF LASCAUX!

Behold The Stone Age

9/30 #11 Clan of the Cave bear (humanities students bring these questions (not responses) to class on Sept. 26 and 27)

The movie, released in 1986, is based on Jean M. Auel's novel of the same name. It is the story of Ayla, a young Cro-Magnon girl who is separated from her mother and raised by a clan of Neanderthal. Although a movie rarely captures the depth and nuance of a book, we can use this film to examine issues (race, gender roles, religion) that we continue to face today.

1. Using specific examples from the movie, describe two ways (other than fire) in which the clan uses technology to help them cope with their environment.

2. How does the clan use magic/religion? What do they hope to gain or accomplish? How important do you think it is to them? On what do they base these practices?

3. What evidence do you see in this film that might explain the disappearance of Neanderthals and the survival and success of the Cro-Magnon?

4. How would you characterize the relationship between Broud and Ayla? Later in the movie Ayla begins a relationship with another man. How does this differ from the one with Broud? What do you believe Ms. Auel is trying to say? Do you agree? Explain

5. In the United States women in the military were not allowed into combat until the Gulf War in 1991. In the film, women are forbidden to use weapons on penalty of death. What reasons can you give for this "law"? Explain why you think it is or is not justifiable.

1. Identify: Jarmo; Catal Huyuk; Fertile Crescent; Domestication

2. What did Sir Mortimer Wheeler mean when he said that the most important benefit of the agricultural revolution was that it allowed people to "think between meals"? Do you agree with that statement? Explain.

3. Describe the three factors that played a role in the beginnings of agriculture.

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Ur-Namma Ziggurat

10/4#13 What factors contributed to the development of early civilization? "POP" 32-37

1. Define: City State; Barter; ziggurat;

2. What are the major characteristics of civilization. Explain how two of these characteristics were present in Sumer.

3. What do you believe were the advantages and disadvantages that Sumerians had with regard to their environment?

4. How did writing enable people to do things that they never could have done before?

10/8 #14  What is Religion? The Origin of Religion

1. Identify: Theology; Deity; Agnostic

2. What are the different origins of religion according to the article? Would you add or subtract anything from the explanations?

3. What kind of evidence has been cited to explain the appearance of religion? Why is some of this evidence suspect?

4. How can religion be beneficial to humans? Can it be detrimental? If so, how?

10/10#15 What effect did law and religion have on early civilization? "POP" 38-43 

1. In what ways was the Jewish religion different from others at the time?

2. Did Hammurabi's Code advance civilization? If so, how? If not, why?

3.Identify: a. Ethical Monotheism b. covenant  c. prophet  d. Abraham e. Moses

10/29#16 Egypt: From Greatness to Immortality. "POP" 52-69

1. In what ways was the geography of Ancient Egypt significant?

2. What do Egyptian beliefs tell us about their morals? Be specific. Give examples.

3. In your assessment, what were the two most important achievements of Egyptian civilization? Explain why you think so.

4. In what ways were Egytian Pharoah's able to maintain unprecedented power and control?

5. Identify: Isis; Osiris; Ma-at; Rosetta Stone

10/30 #16A This Homework is For Periods 3 and 4 and for those with a free period who are who are attending the guest speaker.

Our guest is a  is 19 years old Ugandan who was abducted by the Lord's resistance army. He now works as a researcher studying issues involving women and refugees in Northern Uganda.

Click on the Link for UGANDA . View the country statistics and Map. Read the article, and browse the links. 

Write down three questions for our guest as you browse the material provided for you.. 

10/31 #17How did Greek Civilization begin? "POP" 105-108

1. It has often been said that the civilizations of the ancient world influenced and in turn were influenced by each other. Explain the extent to which this is true in ancient Greece. Be specific!

2. Why are the Homeric epics considered the high point of Greek culture during the Dorian Age? What do they tell us about Greek ideals?

3. Were Greek religious beliefs and practices during this period similar to the practices of other ancient cultures at the time (1200-600 BCE)? Explain your answer.

11/1 #18 How did the competition between the city states of Greece affect life?  Warring City States: Athenian and Spartan ways of life.

1. Identify: Monarchy, Aristocracy; Oligarchy; Democracy; helots, phalanx

2. You are a reporter with Egyptian Traveler magazine. Your assignment is to write a feature article on the development of Spartan or Athenian society. Choose ONE. Be sure to include the "who, what, where, when, and why" (i.e. education, government, military, art, etc.) A good article should be at least four paragraphs. Be prepared to read your article to the class!!

11/4 #19 Upheaval and war threatens Greek Civilization!! "POP" 108-114

1. How did the rule of tyrants differ from the rule of aristocrats?

2. Who was Solon? What reforms did he make? Which in your opinion most benefited Athens? Why?

3. Identify: Marathon, Salamis; Plataea. Why do you think that these battles are so important to Greek and Western Civilization?

11/6 #20 How were women viewed in Greek society? Aristotle's view of women; Xenophon: On Men and Women

1. How did Greeks perceive the idea of marriage in their society? What was the role of the woman? Of the man? (See Xenophon.)

2. Summarize Aristotle's views on women.

3. Defenders of Greek society would say that Greek women were treated as they were because it was of the utmost importance to have strong families and especially strong men to continue the civilization. Are the Greeks justified in their rationale? Explain why you agree or disagree?

11/8 #21 How did Plato view the World? "POP" 120-122 Great Books video: Plato's Republic (will be shown in class);  Plato (NYU)

1. Who was Socrates? Describe a Socratic Dialogue? Do you believe that the Athenian leaders were correct in how they dealt with Socrates' influence? Explain.

2.Plato feels that rulers must always place the good of society ahead of their own. How will his Republic ensure this? What are the advantages and disadvantages to this system?

3. Plato believed that education was too important to be left to parents or popular culture. Why? How do you think Plato would view education in America today? What were his views on education and censorship? Do you agree?

4. Why does Plato believe that a philosopher-king is most fit to rule his Republic?

11/13 #21A Complete a draft introduction and Thesis Statement for your research papers. Use the following link for guidance and assistance. Be sure to use the student examples as a guide.

 Introductions and Thesis Statements

We will review and revise your work in class.

 11/14 #22 Alexander the Great

Alexander the Great has been brought back to life. He is looking for a job as the chief executive of a new country that seeks a great leader. Because of the potential for glory and wealth associated with this job there is fierce competition for this position. (Other candidates include Hammurabi, Darius, Napoleon, and John F. Kennedy)

He has hired you to write a resume for him. Using the material and example of a resume below, write a resume that will get him the job!

Alexander The Great: Internet History Sourcebook

Biography of Alexander the Great

Sample Resume

11/15 #23 How did Greek Culture change and spread during the Hellenistic Age? "POP" 122-127

1. What was the Hellenistic Age? How did it differ from Classical Greece?

2. What were some of the important contributions of Hellenistic thinkers in Science, mathematics, and sculpture?

3. Identify: Alexandria; Philip II

11/20 #24 The Origins of Civilization in India. The Indo-Europeans/Vedic Hymns

1. The hymn regarding the victory over Vritra is the earliest of the three poems. What sort of god is the Indra who appears in poem? What does your answer suggest about the society that worshipped him as its chief deity?

2.Compare the Indra of hymn I with the Indra whom we see in the second hymn. In what ways has he remained the same? Are there any important attributes ascribed to him in this second hymn that are lacking in the first hymn? If so, what are they? What inferences do you draw from them?

3. What evidence is there in hymn 3 for the emergence of what would become the Hindu caste system and how is that system explained and justified?

4. Compare Indra and Purusha as deities. In what ways do they represent significant historical changes that took place within Indo-Aryan society?

Take a Virtual Tour of the Ancient Indus River Valley Civilizations!! Awesome Site!

 11/25 #25 Hinduism and India "POP" 72-78; BBC World:Religions of the World: Hinduism 

Read BBC Hinduism Sections:  Index; Elements of Hinduism; Practice of Hinduism; Hindu Gods

1. Identify: moksha, untouchable, dharma, Vedas, Upanishads

2. Explain Brahman and its role in Hindu belief.

3. How are the ideas of reincarnation, karma, and caste related to one another?

4. Explain the role of God/s in Hinduism. How does one worship if they are Hindu?

Links to Literature: The Ramayana

11/26 25A  ARTHA: Strategies for Survival, Success and Power! 

Read:  EIGHT RUPEES

1. What initial impression does the sahib have of the shoe-shine boy? How does the boy get to shine the sahib's shoes?

3. Does the sahib think the boy will ever return the rupees? Why does he lend the boy eight rupees.

4. How does the sahib's impression of the boy change? Why does it change?

5. What's the significance of the boy's smile when the sahib gave him the eight rupees? Why did the sahib smile when the boy reminded him about the 25 paise? 

6. Why did the sahib walk away with a "pleased as Punch" smile?

7. What does the last paragraph tell us about the boy? Were you surprised?

12/3 25B Position Paper (Use the video clips from class as a source)

In the United States there are a growing number of companies that offer egg and sperm for sale to single women and couples seeking a particular type of child. The United States is the only country in the world where this is legal. 

Question: Should the United States allow its citizens to selectively breed?

12/5 #26 Pain and Suffering? How do you spell relief? "B-U-D-D-H-A"   "POP" 79-82    The First Sermon of the Buddha/The Buddha's Idea of Righteousness; Buddhism in a Nutshell: The Four Noble Truths / The Basics of Buddhist Wisdom ;

1. Identify: Siddharta Gautama; Chandragupta Maurya, Ashoka

2. What is enlightenment? Explain what Buddhists believe is the path to enlightenment

3. How did Buddhism spread within India and then to China? Who is considered most responsible for the spread of Buddhism?

4. What are the Four Noble Truths? How does the Eight fold path relate to them?

For more info: Introduction to Buddhism

12/9#27 An empire unites China. "POP" 83-93 

1. Identify: Mandate of Heaven; Oracle Bones; Filial Piety; Confucius

2. How was early Chinese society organized?

3. Explain in words or by drawing how the dynastic cycle in Ancient China worked.

4. What is Confucius's concept of how the ideal state should be organized?

For more info: Chinese History for Beginners

1. Identify: The Five Classics; The Analects; The Great Silk Road

2. How did Shih Huang-ti reach his goals as a ruler? What were his most important achievements?

3. How did Wu-ti view education? How was Wu-ti able to establish profitable trade?

12/11#29 Legalism and Taoism. Which Way? Taoism: The Way That Is and Is Not : Legalism: The Way of the State

1. How does one define The Way in Taoism?

2. How would a wise ruler who is in harmony with The Way govern?

3. What are the two handles? How might a ruler use them to control people?

4. When posed the question; What is the purpose of good government, how would a legalist respond? How would a Taoist respond?

See the entire text (not very long)

The Tao Te Ching- an excellent translation.

The Tao Te Ching- a translation for the first-time reader. Easier to understand. Although, "...those who know the Tao do not speak of it. Those who speak of it do not know it!!!"

12/16# 30 How did the Silk road effect the Society and Economy of China and Central Asia ? Read The Silk Road;  http://depts.washington.edu/uwch/silkroad/maps/mapquiz/mapquiz.html(Use this website and click on cities of the silk road and user choice to locate the cities for your map!)

1.Download this map (not the one pictured above) and place the following locations on it: Chang'an, China; Dunhuang, China; Taklimakan Desert; Kashgar; Pamir Mountains; Tashkent; Transoxiana; Herat; Baghdad; Damascus; Tyre; Byzantium (Contantinople).

2.Explain how the silk road could be a help and a hindrance to the regions that it passed through.

3. In your assessment, what is the most important lesson that people of our time should learn from studying the Silk Road?

12/17#31 For your assigned city or region:

1. Describe the cultural aspects: Religion, Ethnicity

2. Describe the products you have to sell (historically): 

3. Describe the historical geography: Any barriers to trade? Seasonal difficulties? Special considerations? 

1. Chang'an, China 

2. Dunhuang, China 

3.Taklimakan Desert 

4. Kashgar 

5. Pamir Mountains 

6. Tashkent 

7. Transoxiana 

8.  Herat

9. Baghdad

10. Damascus 

11. Tyre 

12. Byzantium (Contantinople).

1. Why was Rome important among early Italian city-states? How did she gain power over other states on the peninsula?

2. Identify: Republic; Patricians, Plebeians.

3. How was the Roman army organized? Why was it such an effective fighting force?

4. Identify: Twelve Tables; Gauls; Cincinnatus; Carthage; Punic Wars

For More Info: The Punic Wars

1. What were the problems faced by Roman leadership as expansion developed?

2. What did the Gracchus brothers (Tiberius and Gaius) do? Why do you think they failed?

3. Explain the expression "Cross the Rubicon". How did Julius Caesar come to power? Who opposed him? What reforms did he make?

4. Identify: First Triumvirate; Second Triumvirate; Cicero; Cleopatra

Holiday Homework

1. Identify: Epicureanism; Stoicism; the Pantheon;

2. "Roman culture borrowed heavily but wisely from the Greeks". Explain this statement. How did the Romans improve upon what they borrowed?

3. Horace's satires are usually in two parts: the first part exposes and attacks some kind of foolishness and the second upholds a contrasting norm or virtue. How does this analysis apply to this story? What is the foolishness? What is the virtue?

4. What values does Horace associate with country life? with city life?

5. How does the poet use tone and rhythm to convey the contrast between town and country?

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1/6 #35 How did Christianity develop during the Roman Empire? "POP" 160-169 Sermon on the Mount (Chpts. 1;16;19)

1. Identify: apostle, bishop, pope, Constantine, heresy

2. Using the excepts from the Sermon on the Mount, make a list of at least five of the principles of Christianity.

3. Why do you think Christianity eventually won out over other religions and Roman persecutions

4. The Nicene Creed was created at the Council of Nicea in 325 AD. Constantine hoped that it would help spread Christianity by explaining the foundations of Christian beliefs. Using the Creed, summarize the beliefs of Christianity that it espouses.

1. How did the reforms of Diocletion postpone the collapse of the Roman Empire for about two centuries?

2. What important events are associated with the rule of Constantine?

3. Why did Germans cross the borers of the Roman empire? Are motives for the mass movements of people derived from the same things today? Explain.

4. List and explain the major factors leading to the fall of the Roman empire.

1. Identify: icon, iconoclast, excommunicate, Hagia Sophia

2. Explain the circumstances surrounding the split in Christianity? What were the results?

3. What role did Justinian play in the success or failure of Byzantine civilization? What were his lasting contributions?

4. You are a the manager of a tour company in Constantinople. Write a brief script for your tour guides to read the customers as they visit the sites of Constantinople.

For More info: Byzantine Mathematics Textbook (Image)

Paul of Aegina: Epitome: On the Fracture of the Thigh and Nose (medical text)

1. Identify: Allah; Kaaba; Khadijah; Mohammed; Hanifs; Hegira; Koran; Mosque

2. What are the Five Pillars of Islam? Do Judaism and Christianity have similar institutions? What are they?

3. What did Mohammed teach about the Day of Judgment; about the existence of a heaven or a hell?

1. Identify: jihad; caliphs

2. Explain how Islam was able to spread with incredible speed.

3. Who are the Ummayads? Who are the Abbassids? What was their dispute about? What was the result?

4. What are the two types of Jihad? How do they differ? What position does Islam take towards war? In what circumstances is it justified? Do these views compare accurately to your perception of Jihad? Why? Why not?

1. Explain the origins of veiling? Why do you think only "wealthy and respectable women wore veils? (Why do Christian Brides wear veils?)

2. How is marriage viewed in Qatar? What is the role of the woman? Of the man? What is Polygamy? How is it viewed by Muslims?

3. What is Hijab? What arguments are given for the benefits of it? What is the point that Ms. Carlo makes in her article ("When I covered my head.....). Does she make a valid argument? Explain why you agree or disagree.

1. Identify: Merovingians; Charles Martel; Pepin the Short; Papal States; Carolingians; Treaty of Verdun

2. What characteristics do you think made Charlemagne a good ruler? How did he use these to rule the largest empire in Europe?

3. From what you have read what is the relationship between the Church and the ruling Frankish Kings? Do they help each other? Hurt each other? Was there separation between Church and State or cooperation?

For more info: Capitulary of Charlemagne Issued in the Year 802

1. Identify: feudalism, investiture, fief, vassal

2. How did the Church participate in the Feudal system?

3. Explain the demands that lords made of vassals. (wartime and peacetime).

4. How were manors able to be self sufficient? Why was this important in the Middle ages?

1. Identify: Medieval; Christendom; Benedict; Gregory I, William the Conqueror; Holy Roman Empire

2. Explain the three roots of medieval culture? How did European civilization decline after the fall of Rome?

3. Describe the monastic lifestyle. Why were monasteries so important during this period?

4. What was Chivalry? Describe the process which one went through in order to become a knight? What virtues would one need to become a knight? Would you have enjoyed this lifestyle? Explain.

You will be assigned a position in class. You must then vigorously defend it using pertinent information (2 page typed and double spaced maximum!!) You will have a chance to read your paper to the class and you will have a chance to defend your position against questions from the audience.

Question to address:

"Which Way?" Confucianism, Legalism, Taoism

Of the Three Chinese "Ways" that we have studied, which one is best for humanity to live by?

Click Here For a Helpful Reference Chart!!