The exam on March 22 will consist of 4 identifications, worth 5 points each, and 2 essay questions worth 40 points each.

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 early medieval history. 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 5 minutes for each.

Essays:

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 each question. As a general rule, an essay should fill at least 3-4 pages in the bluebook.

For each essay question, you may bring to class (and use during the exam) one 3"x 5" note card. Write on these 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 note cards, you must hand them in with your exam.

Please choose two of the following essays, one from Group A and one from Group B.

Group A:

1. Discuss attitudes toward wealth and poverty in the ancient world. In what ways, if any, did Christian teaching on these issues differ from that of traditional pagan society? What impact, if any, did Christianity have?

2. Discuss the emergence of the ascetic/monastic movement. What aspects of worldly life were they rejecting, and why? What were some of the problems/dangers they faced as they attempted to lead a "holy" life?

3. In what ways did Christian religious leaders attempt to transform or "Christianize" the lifestyles and morals of ordinary people? How successful were they?

Group B:

1. Discuss gender roles in late Roman society. What were women supposed to be like, and how were men supposed to act? In what ways might people transgress these expectations?

2. In theory, the emperor’s word was law. In practice, what were some of the restraints and/or limits on the emperor’s power?