The Midterm Exam will be given in class on Wednesday October 9.  It will consist of a single essay to be chosen (by your instructor) from the following list of topics.

1.  Comment on the following claim:  The expression, "An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth," accurately summarizes the prevalent conception of justice in the ancient world.

2.  Comment on the following claim:  There was no individualism in the ancient world.

3.  Comment on the following claim:  Religion was merely a tool of domination in the ancient world.

4.  Comment on the following claim:  Inequality was taken for granted in the ancient world.

You will note that all of the above questions refer to the "ancient world," by which I mean the societies we have studied from roughly 3000 BC to 500 AD  An ideal essay will consist of a clear argument, supported by plentiful evidence as well as sound reasoning, and will draw both from lectures and reading assignments.  Material and ideas taken from other classes or general knowledge will be considered, but priority will be given to material and ideas treated in History 111.  Style and eloquence in writing will be considerably less important than argumentation.  When commenting on a claim you are not expected to agree or disagree entirely.  Indeed, the claims are deliberately overstated to give you the opportunity to construct a nuanced argument.  Thus you might think that the claim, "There was no individualism in the ancient world," is mostly true but not entirely, or mostly false but not completely.  Be clear on where you stand.  If you do agree or disagree completely, be sure to acknowledge and address counter-arguments.  For example, if you believe that the statement, "Inequality was taken for granted in the ancient world" is completely true, be sure to acknowledge that some people might argue the contrary, then show why you think they would be mistaken to do so.

You may consult a single sheet (8 1/2 X 11 inches) of notes, one side of which may be covered, while taking the exam.  You will be on your honor not to consult any other notes, books, persons or other sources of information during that time.

The midterm examination will count for 20% of your final grade.