Final Write two essays of 2 & 1/2 pgs each. One will be chosen by me. Or write one longer (5 pg) essay.
1. Trace the development of international trade (including in slaves, gold, & silver) & how it affected the development of nation-states, religions, wars, inequality (including racism), hierarchy, & patriarchy.
2. Discuss the most common western misconceptions about Islam & Islamic societies. Discuss also Mohammed’s social reforms, & societal practices in the Mideast & North Africa that predate Islam.
3. By what means did Columbus & other European invaders commit genocides in the Americas? What motivated each nation? What would be just punishment for genocides? How does this, & how should this, affect how Natives are treated? Include discussion of genocide denial in America, beliefs in Native primitiveness & technological inferiority, & migration claims.
4. How were slavery & slave trades genocide? What would be just punishment for slave traders & owners? How does slavery affect us even today? Include discussion of its effects on Africa, Europe, the Americas, the Mideast, their economies, wars, politics, & ideas on race & racism.
5. Compare & contrast the development of religious & philosophical systems of two of these beliefs:
Orthodox Christian, Protestant Christian, Sunni Islam, Shiite Islam.
6. How could certain pivotal events in history turn out differently? Choose one of the following & argue for an alternate history into the present using evidence & thoughtful analysis:
A. Others colonize the Americas before Columbus. Choose one: a. Chinese empire, Zheng He’s fleet 1420s
b. Muslim traders from Spain or Ottoman Empire 900s c. Vikings 1000s w/5X as many colonists
d. Mali Empire 1300s e. Chola Dynasty of India 900s.
Discuss colonists’ differing military tactics, culture, religion, & political systems & their interactions with Natives.
(What If Natives Wonwww.youtube.com/watch?v=grmrT64_-2MLinks to an external site.orwww.youtube.com/watch?v=Krs27vJ0_hYLinks to an external site.
Minimize Videoorwww.youtube.com/watch?v=grmrT64_-2MLinks to an external site.)
B. Others succeed in the conquest of all Europe. Choose one: a. Muslim Caliphate seizes Constantinople in 717.
b. Ogedei Khan avoids poisoning, continuing Mongol conquest in 1241.
For either a. or b. discuss how European cultures, religions, & states are affected, & how a Muslim Europe or Mongol-led Europe would affect the Americas & Africa. (What If Natives Wonhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ne2G_j1E-r8Links to an external site.)
C. Vladimir the Great of Kievan Rus converts to Islam instead of Orthodox Christianity. Russia, Ukraine, & Belarus will become Muslim. Will other Vikings in Scandinavia, England, Iceland, North America & Normandy convert? Will the Byzantine Empire fall? How will trade routes & exploration be different?
D. The Black Plague kills much higher numbers of Europeans. Europe becomes mostly North African & Middle Eastern, with Europe the main source of slaves, the Americas largely free. (Year of Rice & Salt)
E. A leader like Las Casas, focused on religious conversion, commands the first Spanish expedition to the Americas. (What If Natives Wonhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIkWUh_fYEkLinks to an external site.)
F. Aztecs defeat Cortes & quickly adopt cavalry & weapons, as in real history post conquest. (The Other Time or What If Natives Wonhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nb9LvffCltYLinks to an external site.)
7. What would your life & beliefs be if you lived in one of these times & places:
A. Roman Republic or Empire. B. Byzantine Empire C. Ottoman Empires.
D. The Crusades E. Protestant or Catholic Reformations. F. One of the genocides taking place in the Americas.
If one or more of your ancestors were in these societies at the time, you may base your answer on them. How would you live your life? What would your profession, goals, & family life be? Whose side would you take in conflicts of that time? You cannot use knowledge you have of the future in your answer.
8. Compare & contrast the narratives & author’s intent in Canterbury Tales & Lancelot.
9. Construct your own Western Civilizations I course. Describe the topics you include & POVs you argue. Include an essay exam question & what you look for in an answer.