I felt like I really learned a lot this year. I was able to get a more general idea of the factually components of history and then more importantly discovered an understanding for myself. It was a new way of learning, and I enjoyed it very much. It helped me enjoy history more. I hated just having teachers who tried to jam it down your throat. This way of learning made me learn it for myself my own way. It may have been difficult at first, but I have grown accustomed to it. Also, my typing and writing skills definitely improved. I will take away a lot from this year. I have learned about myself and what I can do when I put my mind to it. Finally, I think that most importantly I learned that I can like to learn.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
West Civilization Final Exam Question 9
Leonardo de Vinci is the perfect example of a true renaissance man. What is considered a renaissance man is a person who has talents in many different areas, and has a wide base of knowledge. Leonardo pursued many fields of studies, was an amazing master painter and artist, and an anatomy expert for his time. Below are some famous painting of his that show his brilliance.
West Civilization Final Exam Question 8
The Romanesque cathedrals appear often like fortresses. They were built partially as a place for the community to go for safety when outside invaders would attack because of the political unrest. In the pictures of the exterior and interior of the cathedrals, the walls are look to be built to withstand attacks and stand strong like a fortress (Figure 4 and Figure 5). The style seen there is typical Romanesque style architecture. In the exterior picture, it even show towers which can be used to fight back against enemies and high windows for protection. Also, in the interior, the same thickness and roughness is found. The theological influences can also be seen inside. During the Romanesque period of time, people were focused on the coming of the judgment day. Therefore, their religious places reflected that with dark cold enviorments. Romanesque reflected those religious views; therefore it expressed understandings of religion and theological virtues, as well as, the political situation.
Gothic cathedrals, constructed after the Romanesque period, had a different completely different view cosmetically, but still also represented theological and religious understandings. Pictures below demonstrate the openness and large illuminated windows found in the Gothic cathedrals that caused a warmer environment for the people (Figure 1 and Figure 2). In these pictures, the Gothic cathedrals are noticeably more decorative. These seem to be more in depth and have tons of religious pictures and art all around. Extravagant windows and large pictures really make these cathedrals distinct form the Romanesque cathedrals. The focus of religion by this point in history was letting the light of God into the lives of the people. You see this displayed especially in those large windows that cathedrals were unable to have in the Romanesque period due to imposing invaders that might destroy them. Theology can be clearly seen in Gothic cathedrals, in addition to the every present social and political situations that seem to have an ever present touch on the church.
One key point that has determined the difference between the two styles of cathedrals or the architecture is the windows. In the first picture, Romanesque windows are viewed (Figure 6), but in the other picture Gothic windows are seen (Figure 3). The Romanesque windows are high and up away from the ground helping to create the fortress and tough feel Romanesque cathedrals bring. They also were designed to keep out invaders and keep the people inside protected. The theological idea of judgment day, strongly observed at this time backed this up the design of these windows also. It may have encouraged people of that time to always look up to God and forward to the future. The gothic windows, on the other hand, were open and let tons of light in supporting their message of letting god’s light into their lives. These windows represent what their religion was all about. Something, that was as simple as the windows, was designed in a way that even a theological understanding could be found in it.
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Bibliography
Figure 1 - Saint Michel et Gudule de Bruxelles, facade, 13th to 15th century, http://commons.wiki media.org/wiki/File:Saints-Michel-et-Gudule_Luc_Viatour.jpg, photograph taken in 2008.
Figure 2 – Duomo di Orvieto, facade, 14th century, http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Duo mo_of_Orvieto.jpg, photograph taken in 2005.
Figure 3 – Minden Cathedral, windows, 14th century, http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:20 10-10-24_Minden,_Dom_014.jpg, photograph taken in 2010.
Figure 4 – Celles, facade, 5th century, http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Celles_JPG00.jpg , photograph taken in 2005.
Figure 5 – Église de Saint Saturnin, interior, 7th century, http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/ File:Romanesque_church_inside,_Saint-Saturnin,_Auvergne,_France.jpg, photography taken in2004.
Figure 6 – Minden Cathedral, windows, 14th century, http://commons.wikimedia.org/ wiki/File:2010-10-24_Minden,_Dom_037.jpg, photograph taken in 2010.
West Civilization Final Exam Question 7
1) The Black Death began in Florence, Italy. Unclean conditions in which rat then festered set up Europe for destruction. Through intercourse and just being around each other it began to spread and spread throughout the areas. Rats were the main carriers though; therefore, the number of rats depended on the unclean conditions. This meant terrible, terrible horrors for Europe. For a long time, peoples’ lives would be changed. Friends, family, and complete strangers died in your arms. You yourself were constantly scared some stranger would find you one day dead in some alley. People were frightened and there really was nothing they could do.
2) The first recorded sign was the appearance of buboes which oozed pux and bled if they are opened. In the late-stage of the disease, the persons skin would turn black because of subepidermal hemorrhages called purpura had been created. Gangrene would also cause the extremities to darken. This was how it got the name the Black Death.
3) If the black death were to occur today, there is no way to measure the absolute total devastation that would occur. People would break into mass panic and probably think the world was ending as many people did then. Insane people would jump off bridges. Infection would spread more rapidly due to the larger number of people in the present times. In my opinion, life would end. i would be afraid to go outside or live my life.
3) If the black death were to occur today, there is no way to measure the absolute total devastation that would occur. People would break into mass panic and probably think the world was ending as many people did then. Insane people would jump off bridges. Infection would spread more rapidly due to the larger number of people in the present times. In my opinion, life would end. i would be afraid to go outside or live my life.
West Civilization Final Exam Question 6: PART 2
Dear readers,
I, Saladin, am tired of this unjust behavior and sickly obsessions. Jerusalem should not be fought over as it is a place of peace, love, and religion. We do not want to hurt it; It is sacred to us both. Yet, this outburst is extremely inappropriate and must be done away with. The entire Crusade is unjust. All it has brought is violence. this is not what our Gods would have wanted. They would have wanted us to peacefully agree. Richard though goes and murdered one thousand of capable military forces. Is this a just act I ask? Is this what our God's would want? What is with this war? What are we doing walking around like fools to blind to see we are not really accomplishing anything? You must look inside yourself and ask why you are here and see if that is actually hat is happening. In order to keep Jerusalem sacred, this fighting must stop, he Crusade must end, and people must start to really look deep into their religion .... I cannot watch this go on any longer silent.
With pain,
Saladin
I, Saladin, am tired of this unjust behavior and sickly obsessions. Jerusalem should not be fought over as it is a place of peace, love, and religion. We do not want to hurt it; It is sacred to us both. Yet, this outburst is extremely inappropriate and must be done away with. The entire Crusade is unjust. All it has brought is violence. this is not what our Gods would have wanted. They would have wanted us to peacefully agree. Richard though goes and murdered one thousand of capable military forces. Is this a just act I ask? Is this what our God's would want? What is with this war? What are we doing walking around like fools to blind to see we are not really accomplishing anything? You must look inside yourself and ask why you are here and see if that is actually hat is happening. In order to keep Jerusalem sacred, this fighting must stop, he Crusade must end, and people must start to really look deep into their religion .... I cannot watch this go on any longer silent.
With pain,
Saladin
West Civilization Final Exam Question 6: PART 1
SAVE OUR HOMELAND, JERUSALEM
JOIN AND FIGHT FOR YOUR ANCESTORS ...... SAVE THE ONE THAT SAVES YOU
I, RICHARD THE LIONHEARTED, ask you to join and fight for your brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, and their fathers, and then unto their fathers. You will be remembered as the savior to thy Holy father. He will thank you and be grateful.
West Civilization Final Exam Question 5
Cyclic History is a theory which dictates that the major forces that motivate human actions return in in a cycle and simply that history repeats itself. The United States is example of cyclic history in real time. Its resemblance to the Roman Empire makes it an intriguing situation. The common goals and problems of the Roman Empire are also similar to the United States. It is fair to say that the United States is the modern day equivalent to the Roman Empire.
The United States, like the Roman Empire was, is searching for a way to give more of a voice to the people and to become fairer in what they would do. The Senate, the president, and congress continue to do so every day; although, problem still arise and people can still struggle to have their voices heard. The Northwest Arkansas Times showed that this in present times as people wait to address a council. In the Roman Empire, things were not as great as they may have seemed. An excerpt Suetonius (c.69-after 122 CE) De Vita Caesarum: Caius Caligula, it is said that, “When he entered the city, full and absolute power was at once put into his hands by the unanimous consent of the senate and of the mob, which forced its way into the Senate, …..within the next three months, or less than that, more than a hundred and sixty thousand victims are said to have been slain in sacrifice.” This shows two things. The first is that absolute power still remained with one person. Also, it showed that like the United States if you stand strong and really work to get your voice heard it can happen. The similar political problems join the Roman Empire and the United States
Another way that they are alike is that they both enjoyed their parties and having fun. Both certainly enjoyed going out. They also enjoy being wild in celebration of a victory or just because. In the Merced Sun-Star, it talked about some people cooking up both some fun and some food. Everyone loves to party, but it is definitely true that these two civilizations share a special passion for it.
Finally, the final way that they are alike is they were both constantly expanding and wanting to get bigger and bigger. The United States is always focused on advancing and advancing. The Annistan Star’s title today is “Bigger is better,” and the article following goes on about new innovations that are being made.
The United States is the modern day equivalent to the Roman Empire. It constantly wants to be bigger and better and have their voices heard.
The United States is the modern day equivalent to the Roman Empire. It constantly wants to be bigger and better and have their voices heard.
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