Wright State University
Hist 101 - Western World:  Ancient and Medieval Europe
C. Oldstone-Moore

Study Guide For Exam I

The exam will consist of 60 multiple choice questions and an essay.

I.  Multiple choice questions (60 questions --- 60 points) 

The questions will be drawn from the lectures and from the daily question assignments.  They will focus on the key themes, events and persons of the course.  Some questions will refer to quotes from the additional readings discussed in class (such as II Samuel or the Life of Caesar) and also art examples shown in class.

Sample Questions:

1. Image no. 2 is
     A. Temple of Jerusalem
     B. Ziggurat at Ur
     C. Parthenon
     D. Ark of the Covenant

 2. The quote above is from
     A. II Samuel
     B. Plato’s Apology
     C. Thucydides’s “History”
     D. Hammurabi’s Code

  4. Mesopotamians believed that humans were created to
     A. Rule the earth
     B. Serve as slaves to the gods
     C. Fight the gods
     D. Live like the gods

 5. Which was not one of David's sins?
     A. adultery
     B. profaning the sabbath
     C. bearing false witness
     D. murder

 6. Which best describes Greek religion?
     A. Greeks paid little attention to gods or religion
     B. Greeks, like Mesopotamians, believed humans were slaves of gods
     C. Greeks thought gods were like humans and humans like gods
     D. Greeks thought the gods were distant and unfathomable

 7. One reason that Athenians condemned Socrates to death was that Socrates
     A. led a rebellion against Athens
     B. declared that the laws had no power over him
     C. irritated Athenians by saying he could not find anyone who was truly wise
     D. had no followers

II. Short Essay (1 question --- 40 points)

Two of the following essays will be chosen at random.  You will be asked to write on one of them.  Essays will be graded on the extent of knowledge of the events, people and themes of the course.  Content is more important than writing style.  If you forgot something that you later want to add at the end, put it in.  The more the merrier.  The essay is designed to have you show me what you do know, not what you don't know.

1. Compare the worldview and outlook of Hebrews and the rest of Mesopotamian civilization. Be sure to make reference to the code of laws each used.

2. Describe two important ideals of classical Athens. In your essay make reference to three of the following: Pericles, Socrates, tragic drama, the Doryphoros, the Parthenon

3. Explain the difference between classical Greek and Hellenistic Greek culture. Make reference to Stoicism, Epicurianism, and at least one work of Hellenistic art.

4. Discuss at least two major strengths and two major weaknesses of the Roman Republic.

5. Briefly explain how Julius Caesar became dictator of Rome. Be specific in describing his personal traits and actions.