History 151 Fall 2008 (Jolly)
Final Exam Study Guide

The final exam is Monday, December 15, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Location by T.A.s:

Part I: Material since the Midterm (100 points)

This half of the test has two parts, like the midterm: one essay (80 points) and two (out of a choice of five) identification and significance (20 points). Please use the midterm study guide for hints on how to prepare for this portion of the final exam. The material covered includes items and topics from lectures given October 21-December 11, Encounters chapters 7-15, and Traditions and Encounters chapters 13-22, but material from earlier in the semester may be used as background and support.

Essay Topics and Identification Items

Two of the following five topics will appear as questions on the test, from which you choose one to write your essay. Under each topic are lists of primary source documents from the Encounters readings book and the Traditions and Encounters textbook (some authors and documents appear more than once, so check carefully).
These document lists serve two purposes: 1) as a guide in preparing an essay answer using appropriate evidence; 2) as a master list for the five items on the identification portion of the test (you answer two).
  1. The spread of religions and philosophies (primarily Encounters chs. 8, 9, 11)

  2. Cross-cultural interactions and perceptions (primarily Encounters chs. 7, 14)

  3. Warfare, statecraft, and empire building (especially Encounters chs. 11, 13)

  4. Cultural values in the arts and intellectual life (especially Encounters chs. 10, 14)

  5. Travel and Exploration (especially Encounters ch. 15)

Part II: Global Issues (100 points)

This portion of the final exam covers the whole course and is designed to make you think about the larger issues this General Education course is designed to address. The essay you will write on this portion of the test will ask you to take what you have learned about pre-1500 world history and find meaningful connections and relevance to today. The essay question is broad, but you will be required to pick specific examples to include in your essay. This essay is NOT a personal opinion piece, but an opportunity for you to demonstrate critical thinking skills in the form of historical analysis.
The following question will be on the test with two of the four topics listed, from which you pick one to discuss in your essay.

Why is a knowledge of pre-1500 history essential for global citizenship today? Consider one of the following issues as the basis for your argument: To answer the essay question, you need to use specific examples of cultures from both pre-500 C.E. and post-500 C.E. or cutting across both halves of the course. Also, among your examples, make sure they come from diverse parts of the world, from at least four distinct regions we have studied:

How to Study:

How to Write the Essays:

Use the guidelines in the midterm study guide. The same grading criteria apply: clear thesis, organized arguments, evidence to support those arguments (e.g., reference to people, places, events, and ideas).
Before you write, outline or map out your essay, choosing your examples carefully to match the thesis you develop.