Confucianism

Your textbook compares the Chinese concept of the "dao" to the Indian version of "dharma." It says these concepts can both be interpreted as duty and both have significant influence on the governing of their respective society. What other aspects of Confucianism can be related to other ideas/philosophies we have learned in this class? Then comment on humanity's interconnectedness of ideas in spite of enormous barriers and distance separating all these early civilizations.

Post by Friday, March 27.

Buddhism

Both Buddha and Jesus (of Christianity) did not preach to their followers of their divinity. Buddha, in fact, told his followers not to worship him as a god. Yet both religions depict its founder as a divine person (see the Comparative Illustration on p. 53). Comment on the followers' desire to depict their human founder as divine in art.

Post by March 20.

Hinduism

You have finished reading the text information on Hinduism and (hopefully) learned about Hinduism through my lecture. How does Hinduism help its adherents make sense of this world? What does it offer to its believers (over 900 million followers) to make it the world's third largest religion?

Post by March 18.

The Caste System

In the eyes of modern people with our generally enlightened views, we tend to consider strict social classifications with little or no opportunity for social mobility or interaction an archaic concept. We see these systems as discriminatory and racist. Comment on the social system of the Aryans, but consider how this system may have benefited them.

Post by March 17.

Ammianus and Callahan

Ammianus gives specific examples of Roman vices. He claims many Romans spent many hours drinking and gambling rather than maintaining the virtues that had been the strength of Rome. Callahan says that we Americans have developed a cheating culture. We cheat so much today that we do not even consider much of what we do as cheating.

Do you agree with Callahan? Do we all "cheat?" Should we consider students copying homework, athletes taking steroids to improve performance, or citizens hiding income to avoid paying more taxes cheating? Will this cause the United States to suffer the same fate as Rome?

Ask your parents to read the Ammianus and Callahan documents (yes, you can give your parents homework - you can even have them annotate the documents if you want) and have them post a response to this blog. I will give you extra credit if your parents get involved in this dialogue. Please have them identify themselves so I can give you credit!

Have fun!

Due by Monday, March 9. I will accept parental comments until March 10!

Why Rome Declined & Barack Obama Inauguration Address

Both of these documents discuss a shift in values for the problems in their respective societies. Sallust tells us that Rome will eventually fall unless they recapture the values of their past. Obama tells us that we need to return to traditional American values to become a strong nation again.

Do you agree with these observations that traditional values are the foundation of the strength of any nation? If you agree, tell us what values are most important for a powerful nation. If you disagree, tell us what really is needed to make a nation powerful.

Due by Friday, March 6.