A. What is happening in book 1 of The Iliad? Who are the main characters presented (what is their relationship and where are they from)? What issues unite them and divide them? Which seems to have the most power over their actions? What role do the gods play in this excerpt?

 B. What is the purpose of the two excerpts from the Shang Chronicles? Who are their authors and who are their intended audiences? What are the authors trying prove about good leadership and the role of kings? What is the historical context of these stories and what do they tell us about the political pressures faced by the Shang Dynasty?

FOCUS QUESTIONS:

 A. What constitutes a "law code"? Are both texts law codes? Why/why not?

 B. What are the primary concerns of each text? Who and what is being protected? Who and what is valued highest?

 C. What are the relative punishments for breaking the laws? Which are harshest in each and why?

 D. What do the documents have in common? Do they have the same goal?

 Come to class with notes, ideas, and answers to the focus questions ready to participate in an in-class discussion.

 II. WATCH

 The Story of India: Beginnings (only from MAHABHARATA at minute 43 to the end)

 AND

 The Story of India: The Power of Ideas (Only the first 24 minutes are required, although the entire documentary, which includes topics we will cover in detail over the coming weeks, is recommended)

 Come to class prepared to discuss ideas from the film excerpts in detail.

 (25 total points possible)

 Hammurabi  Decalogue.pdf Hammurabi Decalogue.pdf

 What does Plutarch think are Alexander's greatest strengths and weaknesses? Which is more central to his character?

Is Plutarch a believer in the "Great Man" theory of history? What evidence can you cite to support your position?

What is Plutarch's relationship to Alexander in terms of time period, geography, and history? Why is Plutarch writing about Alexander?

What is the historical context of the Thucydides text? Who is Thucydides?

Who are the primary actors in the Thucydides text? What are they arguing about?

Does Thucydides believe that "might makes right"?

1. What is the purpose of each of the four texts? What are the authors trying to argue?

 2. What are Cicero's views on Roman politics? Why is he personally concerned with the patronage system?

 3. Is the Lucretia story "history" or "mythology"? What evidence does Livy give you for either interpretation?

 4. How does Tacitus describe Boudicca's leadership style? What is the outcome of the struggle against the Romans?

 5. Why does the slave trial described by Tacitus end in the verdict it does? What is the logic behind this decision?

 II. Watch: Republic of Virtue and come to class ready to discuss its ideas and conclusions.

(25 total points possible)

Cicero Letter.pdf Cicero Letter.pdf

 Livy Lucretia.pdf Livy Lucretia.pdf

 Tacitus Boudicca.pdf Tacitus Boudicca.pdf

 Tacitus Slavery.pdf Tacitus Slavery.pdf

 1. What is St. Paul trying to accomplish in the "Epistle to the Romans"?

 2. What is being described in the excerpts from the "Book of Acts"?