Please respond in an essay to one of the following questions. Use any and all resources available to fill out your thinking on the subject and turn it in on the last day of class. Thank you.
 

1.) The rise of individualism has often been cited as an important element of Western Civilization. First, review the nature of this idea through Colin Morris. Add, comment and/or critique as necessary. Then put Abelard and Heloise into this context. Do they emerge as true individuals? Or are they puppets of a system that controls and dictates their present and future destiny? Then, in a paragraph or so each, apply the same questions to 3-4 pertinent Eastern texts, e.g., Arjuna in the Gita, Li Ch'ing-chao's reminisces, Isidasi's story, etc.  Of all these texts, which reveals the most prominent traits of individualism? Cite evidence and incidents from these texts which support your view.
 
 

8.) Using Just War Theory, apply it to the First Crusade and the different points of view -- Eastern and Western -- in Reilly, ch. 10 and online. Select one point of view and explain why its position is most defensible (e.g., using Just War Theory) in relation to the events of the First Crusade. Contrast that one point of view with the others (e.g., Jewish, Islamic, Byzantine, Western). Keep in mind the sources in Reily and those linked online to fill out your investigations.

A Cup            Final Notes