1.) Imagine yourself as a modern Buddhist monk who comes across the story of Abelard and Heloise. You read it carefully, then apply Buddhist concepts to explain the motivations, progress and results of the characters in the story. You see that, obviously, westerners have missed the important points that the story has to offer. From this Buddhist perspective, explain what westerners need to see in this story, and explain how they should apply these lessons to their lives.
2.) 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, Japanese Samurai texts etc. Of them all, which text reveals the most prominent traits of individualism? Cite evidence and incidents from these texts which support your view.
3.) Describe the budding educational system and 12th Century Renaissance. Center on Abelard's life and his Sic & Non to show the pro & con, the ups & downs of it. How does your education at Westminster compare? What are the Sic & Non aspects that you see in this analysis and comparison?
4. ) The Renaissance is often viewed as as the birth of modernity. In what areas of culture (e.g., education, politics, literature, and art) were forward strides made? Detail some of the significant Renaissance thinkers/artists and their contributions. Contrast this 'progress' with the Medievalist point of view, e.g., comparing Pico with Abelard and/or Heloise in terms of individualism. Which would you argue which would you argue exhibited a greater degree of individualism? Cite copious examples and apply them as evidence to your conclusion concerning the rise of modernity.
5. ) Describe the rise, and nature, of Islam. Analyze elements (including those seen in Reilly's primary sources concerning Islam) that contributed to the success of Islam. Of all the aspects discussed, which would you say contributed most to the spread, power and high civilization of medieval Islam and its success as a world religion and society? Explain your position in detail.
6.) The comparative progress of Eastern and Western Cultures of the World (ca. 600-1500 A.D.) contain profound questions. China's technological advances of inventing the compass, printing press and gunpowder seem similar (and prior to...) to the inventive West, just as Confucian-grounded government finds echoes in Western Feudal Monarchies. Yet China stagnated and the West propelled ahead. Focus on J.J. Saunders' article and thesis. It seems shows great strengths in Islam, again only to see the West propel ahead. How do you explain this late, chaotic start in the West (ca. 600-1100) with its subsequent success, even dominance, over the East? Citing examples East and West, show both the significant similarities and the differences that relate to this question. Conclude, as you see the evidence leading, on the main reason for the success of the West during this period.
7.) The status of women East/West reveals interesting insights into culture. For example, would you say that the status of Heloise, Eleanor of Aquitaine or the status of women portrayed by Capellanus, seem essentially similar to, or different from, the status of Li Ch'ing-chao, Isidasi, or the women pictured in Lady Murasaki's "novel" etc? What incidents, evidence and/or arguments brings you to this conclusion? Of these texts, which portrays, in your view, the highest and best status of women? Explain in lavish detail, please.
8.) Given different points of view -- Eastern and Western -- select one and explain why its position is most just in relation to the events of the First Crusade, especially in comparison/contrast with any other. Keep in mind the sources in Reily, those linked online, The Just War Theory, the "Historical-Morality" argument of Reilly, contemporary value system (context of 1095), as well as your own.
A Cup Final Notes |
