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One of the highest places a woman could achieve in Medieval European society was as an abbess (the head of a nun’s convent). One such abbess, [BLANK-1], demonstrated the extraordinary qualities some women could display when given the opportunity. She founded several religious convents, wrote more than 80 compositions of music, wrote of her divine visions, and composed scientific inquiries on the physical elements and on the causes and cures of disease.

The Black Death, which first struck Europe from 1346-1350, was likely caused by [BLANK-1]. The disease first became apparent with the development of red, bulbous boils in the pit areas surrounded by a white ring. As the disease progressed over the course of two or three days, victims would develop black blotches on their skin (caused by bursting blood vessels) and the final hours of life would be marked by coughing up or vomiting up blood. The disease claimed the lives of more than 1/3 of Europe.

Part 3 Essay Question (40%): Your essay should have an introduction with a clear and specific thesis, a body with evidence, and a conclusion that reinforces your central argument. Select the option you feel the most comfortable with and answer it to the best of your ability. You may find it helpful to write out a brief outline of the essay before you begin writing.Choose ONE (1):Describe the various foundational myths of Rome.  What do these myths suggest about the cultural and social values of the Roman people?  How did women play into these myths; what were their roles and what was expected of them?  How did the expectations of women’s virtue carry over into Roman society?Describe the far-reaching impact of the Silk Road.  What was the Silk Road and what goods were exchanged through it?  Describe the process of trading along the Silk Road – how were merchants able to transport goods over great distances in harsh environments?  What allowed China to maintain control over much of the Silk Road during the Han Dynasty?Trace and analyze the social distinctions in early Muslim societies, particularly during the Umayyad Caliphate. Who comprised the top of the social hierarchy in Muslim societies and what groups of people made up the lower strata? How did Muslims in this era interact with Jews and Christians? What roles did slaves play in Muslim societies? What was expected of women in the Islamic faith; what rights did they have and what restrictions did they face? Describe Muslim marriages.

In 804, a monk named Kūkai traveled to China and returned to Japan with texts that related to Shingon, or “True Word,” a form of [BLANK-1]. He attracted a large following and established a monastery south of Osaka at Mount Kōya. The popularity of his teachings increased the amount of Japanese religious art. His teachings were based on the idea that the secrets of enlightenment had already been secretly transmitted from the religion’s founder. People could access these mysteries through initiation into the mandalas, mudras, and mantras

A well-known fourteenth century humanist, [BLANK-1], is notable for writing an Account of the Plague in Florence. This author described the various tactics employed by Florentines in order to survive the Black Plague and was horrified by the complete social breakdown brought about by the plague.

One of the important cultural innovations of Pre-Columbian America was the Mayan game of [BLANK-1]. Players of the game were highly regarded and several myths centered on the importance of the game developed within Mayan society.

AndalusiaAngkor WatAshikaga TakaujiEaster IslandEsoteric BuddhismThe Eurasian SteppesFeudalismThe First CrusadeThe Fourth CrusadeThe Hanseatic LeagueSte. Hildegard of BingenHonen BuddhismJatiKalidasaLate HorizonMagna CartaManorialismNichiren BuddhismPeter AbelardPopol VuhSatiSei ShonagonThe Tale of GenjiTax-FarmingTecuhtliTepanecThe Troyes FairTlachtliYi Song-gyeYurts

Paper: McCullough.pdf | You download and/or print this for reference as you complete part 2 of the exam. PSU Library Access: Click on the Library Resources link in the left-hand navigation bar to access the PSU libraries and assist in completing this exam. You may download PDFs from the library and access/reference them throughout this exam. In addition, here is a quick to Penn State University Libraries search.

Perhaps the most important document in English history is [BLANK-1], signed by King John and rebellious barons in 1215. The document served as a contract and a precursor to a constitution that ensured that even the king was subject to the justice and law of England

Part 3 Essay Question (40%): Your essay should have an introduction with a clear and specific thesis, a body with evidence, and a conclusion that reinforces your central argument. Select the option you feel the most comfortable with and answer it to the best of your ability. You may find it helpful to write out a brief outline of the essay before you begin writing.Choose ONE (1):Put the development of American civilizations in a global context.  Compare and contrast the formation of American civilizations with the formation of civilizations in Africa, Europe, or Asia.  What major differences can be found between these societies?  List the major similarities that exist in the development of American civilization and civilizations that developed elsewhere in the world.  Why are historians particularly interested in these similarities and what can they potentially tell us about all human societies?Who was chiefly responsible for founding and expanding the Mongol Empire?  Briefly describe this person’s life and how they were able to unite nomadic Mongol clans and be crowned the “Great Ruler of the Mongols.”  Explain how the Mongols were able to achieve such military success and how they were able to form one of the world’s largest empires in Eurasia.  How did Mongols rule in conquered lands and how did they divide the empire following the death of the Great Ruler?Trace the basic outline of Hell in Dante Alighieri’s Inferno. Describe Dante’s concept of contrapasso as it relates to his map of Hell in Inferno. Point to several circles of hell, their occupants, and their punishments; how do those punishments reflect contrapasso? In what ways is Dante’s Inferno a useful source for historians who want to explore the values of Medieval Europe? What medieval values seem to be prized based on your analysis of the book? What sins are among the worst in medieval society? Why?