Final Exam Questions

Write an essay that answers one of the following questions:

1. Christianity and Islam in the early Middle Ages (c.300 to c.850 CE): Compare the spread of Christianity from c.312-850 CE (the time of Constantine I to just after Charlemagnes reign) with the spread of Islam, from its beginnings in the 7th century to c.850 CE (roughly 100 years into the Abbasid dynasty). In this comparison, you should focus upon two things: A. specific types of people who promoted these religions and their methods (i.e., emperors, kings, queens, caliphs, military commanders, popes/bishops/priests and other missionaries, etc.): identify and discuss as examples representative main promoters in our sources and their methods to convert others; AND B. in the concluding section, make an argument about which of the two religions was harsher in their treatment of peoples (within their respective realms) who did NOT convert to the rulers religion (here, you should consider actual consequences and alternatives to conversion for the subject peoples). You must clearly select and argue for one or the other religion as harsher on non-converts and support your argument using details and examples from our course sources. Sources: Use the course textbook (relevant chapters), and at least FOUR other linked Readings sources (two FOR EACH RELIGION). For Christianity, select from Pohlsander on Constantine I, the Codex Theodosianus (excerpts), and/or Bede: The Conversion of England (all the excerpts) in Wks. 3-4. For Islam, select from: The Pact of Umar, Battle of the Yarmuk, and/or The Arab Conquest of Egypt (642) (all in Week 5).

The exam must be 4-5 pages in length, double-spaced, numbered, include 1 inch margins, use 12 point Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman, and include a cover page that identifies who you are, the title of the course, the name of your instructor, and state Final Exam.

The exam must include footnotes or endnotes and a Works Cited or Bibliography page. The citation style must be Chicago/Turabian. Your instructor will provide instructions on how to cite a source using Chicago/Turabian style. You may also consult the short guide linked to in this sub-module at the bottom. The selected sources must be appropriate to the exam topic, the citations must support the assertions made in the exam, and footnotes or endnotes must be used in each instance where detailed explanations would distract from the argument.

The exam will include three main parts:

1. Thesis/Introduction
2. Argument
3. Conclusion.

The Introduction section should clearly state the thesis within the first 1-2 paragraphs. The thesis must be relevant and appropriate to the argument and demonstrate an accurate and complete understanding of the question(s). It should do more than restate the question(s) and offer a brief response and it should be free of grammar & spelling errors.

The Argument section should incorporate pertinent details from assigned coursework and outside readings when permitted. Please make sure to ask your instructor for approval. Do not assume that you can use outside readings. The section must provide relevant historical evidence to support the thesis and the key claims made in the argument as needed. It should maintain focus and avoid getting sidetracked. It should present your answer(s) to the question(s) asked clearly and concisely in an organized manner and it should be free of grammar & spelling errors.

The Conclusion section should be in the last part of your essay exam within the last 1-2 paragraphs. It should briefly restate the thesis and summarize the main points of the argument. It should also demonstrate insight and understanding regarding the question(s) asked and it should be free of grammar & spelling errors.