HST 212: MIDTERM EXAM PREPARATION

The exam will consist of 4 identifications, worth 5 points each, and 1 essay question worth 80 points.

IDs will not be distributed in advance, but you will be given 10 possibilities to choose from. Each will be the name of a person, place or thing of some importance in the material we’ve covered. In a short paragraph (3-5 sentences) give me the basic facts but also explain its significance – why did Prof. Gaddis think this was important enough to put it on the test? Don’t spend too much time on these – about 3-5 minutes for each.

Essay:

You are being given the questions in advance, so that you can take some time to plan how you will answer them. A good essay will have a clear argument and a coherent structure, and will back up its thesis by citing evidence. The comments and suggestions you received on your last paper will be helpful to you here as well. I do not expect you to use footnotes or direct quotations in an exam essay, but you should be making reference to specific events, people, or texts we have read. As you prepare, spend time outlining possible answers and making lists of supporting evidence you might use. During the exam, plan to spend approximately 30 minutes writing the question. As a general rule, an essay should fill at least 3-4 pages in the bluebook.

For the essay question, you may bring to class (and use during the exam) one 3"x 5" note card. Write on this in advance anything you want to (an outline, notes, names and dates, etc.) You may not use any other books or notes during the exam. If you choose to bring in a note card, you must hand it in with your exam.

Please choose one of the following questions.

1. How did ancient and medieval Christians address the issues of sin and repentance? What role did "sin" play in Christian thought; what kinds of sins were considered most serious in practice; what sorts of things did one have to do in order to be forgiven? Did Christian beliefs and practices change over time?

2. In what ways can hagiographies (stories of saints and their miracles) be used as reliable historical sources? What kinds of useful information can be gained from these texts? What are some potential problems? Pick any one hagiographical text we have read for class and discuss these issues.

3. Discuss the controversy over icon-veneration in the eighth and ninth centuries. What were the religious arguments on each side? What role, if any, was played by political factors? Did the rise of Islam have any influence on this Christian controversy?

4. Account for the rise of the Papacy in the first millennium A.D. How did the bishops of Rome (the popes) eventually attain control over the entire western church, and even (by the eleventh century) challenge the power of kings and emperors? How did the popes justify their claims to authority?