Western Civilization I, Summer Session
Anthony A. Ball, Instructor

Notes on the Final Examination
(July 5, 2001)

Thursday's Final will consist of 50 multiple choice and true/false questions, very similar (in style) to the prior three examinations.  Almost all of these questions will be from the last quarter of the course (i.e., everything after Test #3).

The Final will also include four essay questions.  In order to give you an idea of what those questions are likely to cover, I am attaching my three previous Western Civilization I exams (the essay sections only).  If you are prepared to discuss the issues raised by those questions, you will do very well.  Remember, specificity is the most important element of a good essay.  If you make a general statement such as "Women were treated poorly by the ancient Greeks," you must back it up with specific evidence, such as "For example, when a woman's husband were typically given over to the nearest patrilineal relative."  The more "for examples" you provide, to support general statements, the better you will do.

The Final will be closed book, and you will be given the entire class period (two hours) to complete it.

Have a Happy Fourth.

Western Civilization I
Anthony A. Ball, Instructor

Final Examination
May 14, 2001

Answer all three questions in the accompanying blue book(s).  Be as specific and detailed as possible.  Because of the depth and breadth of these questions, you are encouraged to use the full two hours allotted to complete this examination.

1.     Consider the entire period studied in the course.  To what extent were the various societies (beginning with the ancient world and ending with 17th century Europe) just?  What specific kinds of injustice were present, and what explains the persistence of injustice in western civilization?  At what points and in which places did people try to establish more just social, political and economic systems, and to what extent were they successful?

2.     How did the role of women change in European society during the Late Middle Ages and Renaissance?  To what extent did the Reformation affect the position of women and the nature of the family?  What other political, social and economic factors affected the lives of women during these periods?

3.     We tend to think of technology as a 20th (and now a 21st) century concept.  But to what extent were new technologies important in shaping the western world during the period we have studies (i.e., from prehistoric times through the 1600's)?  What specific technologies can you identify that impact the course of the western world's development?  How did each technology affect the political, economic and social structure of western civilization?  Warning: Be sure to cover the entire time span of the course, and to discuss a variety of innovations.

Western Civilization I
Anthony A. Ball, Instructor

Final Examination
December 18, 2000

1.     Describe the principal social and cultural changes that occurred in Italy during the Renaissance.  How did the Italian Renaissance differ from the Renaissance in northern Europe?  To what extent did the "rediscovery" of classical (Greco-Roman) culture and the revival of learning during the Renaissance affect the lives of ordinary people?

2.     What specific practices and doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church led to the Protestant Reformation?  What broader economic, social and political issues underlay the Reformation?  How did the Roman Catholic Church respond to reform?

3.     By the end of the 17th century, England and France had different systems of government with different religious policies.  What were the main differences? Similarities?  Why did each nation develop as it did?  How much did the particular personalities of the rulers of each nation determine the manner in which their political institutions emerged?  What roles did religious conflict and class struggle play?

4.     How did the role of women change in European society during the Late Middle Ages and Renaissance?  To what extent did the Reformation affect the position of women and the nature of the family?  What other political, social and economic factors affected the lives of women during these periods?

5.     We tend to think of technology as a 20th (and now a 21st) century concept.  But to what extent were new technologies important in shaping the western world during the period we have studies (i.e., from prehistoric times through the 1600's)?  What specific technologies can you identify that impact the course of the western world's development?  How did each technology affect the political, economic and social structure of western civilization?  Warning: Be sure to cover the entire time span of the course, and to discuss a variety of innovations.

Western Civilization I
Anthony A. Ball, Instructor

Test #4
April 30, 2001

Essays (Answer all three).

1.     How did the Italian Renaissance differ from the Northern Renaissance?  Be specific.  What were the contributions of each to western civilization?

2.    What were the principal factors that led to the Protestant Reformation?  How did the Roman Catholic Church respond to the Reformation?  What were the principal differences between the Protestant faiths that emerged after 1517 and the Roman church?

3.     Explain the factors that led to the emergence of different systems of government in England and France during the 16th and 17th centuries.  Why were the English able to develop a constitutional system, based on limited monarchy?  What factors contributed to the development of an absolute monarchy in France?