Tuesday, July 11, 2017

Quiz 4

1)     “Hallmark Five: We Embrace The Gift Of Diversity.” In what way does Strayer’s textbook, Ways of the World, reflect Hallmark 5 of the SND de Namur?

Strayer’s textbook takes an alternative view from what many other textbooks and historians do. He offers a different perspective on the roles of women and non-Caucasian people in history and affords them not only the credit, but the justice they deserve as well. For instance, from the very beginning of the book, he credits women with gathering the majority of foodstuffs by re-wording the common phrase “hunter-gatherers” as “gatherer-hunters”, and chooses to highlight many notable women in history in the pop-out stories.

2) Please refer to the learning outcomes in your syllabus for this class. Did the course meet these outcomes? Were any of the outcomes not met? In answering this question, cite specific course activities or assignments that stand out to you. 

LO1- met. Several discussions surrounding political, economic, social, religious, intellectual, and artistic experiences of people throughout the world over time.

LO2-met. Particularly in the way humanism with ancient Greeks was looked back upon by later societies.

LO3- met. This was done through evenings when we held debates.

LO4 – met. Readings of historical literature and discussions.

LO5 – met. Discussion early in the semester about what is evidence vs. what is not evidence

LO6 – met. Through presentations, group discussions, quizzes, answering questions on the board

LO7 – met. Through research paper & presentation.

4) Are we moving into a new historical era? Do the items listed under “Post-Modern” reflect the world we live in today and the future we seem to be working toward? Why or why not?

Post-Modern?
1)     Regulation of capitalism & cooperation among peoples – Many countries around the world have been working on regulations of capitalism through things like NAFTA, TPP, etc. Cooperation seen through things like EU with common currency.
2)      Environmental sustainability becomes a critical goal of technology – Solar panels, wind energy, and other renewable technology have become a critical goal, particularly with Paris Accord (though US has pulled out)
3) Government is increasingly global with emphasis on cooperation – gov’t has become involved in many global agreements, including Paris Accord, UN, etc.

3)     Western European civilization recognizes co-equality of other peoples – Western European civilization is beginning to recognize co-equality of other people, particularly Eastern countries, including China and India. However, African and Middle-Eastern countries are still sadly neglected and/or ostracized.


So it seems that we are moving into a new historical era, as we are at least working towards all four points of what it means to be post-modern on varying levels. Even if the world has not fully accomplished all four points, they are all in progress.

Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Section 2 - Religion

This section was really interesting for me, as I have always been interested in religion in general. It was interesting to read the standout on Perpetua, the Christian martyr. I am not normally a person who reads the vignettes in the textbook, but I did take the time to read this one. It was a fascinating glimpse into the real-life consequences of what happened to a person who dissented and became a Christian in the early era of Christianity.

Though we enjoy relative freedom to practice our religions in the U.S., it is important to remember that other countries still subject people to religious persecution if there is any dissension. Though it may not be death by wild beasts, it can certainly be death for practicing a non-state religion. So, in the past 2000 years, while there has been some improvement, it has not been for everyone in all areas and for all religions. Religion is still a major cause of wars and excuse for killing others. And yet, 2000 years ago, there was a woman brave enough to stand up for her beliefs when so many have that fear today. It would be interesting to see the documentation surrounding this instance. If it is accurate, it is incredibly fascinating.

Tuesday, May 16, 2017

1st Post

This post is a test - blog should be up and working!