Discussion
- Why do you think the teachings of Confucius were such a powerful influence on Chinese society?
- Discuss the symbolism of the Great Wall in Chinese culture.
- Why was it dangerous that the Janissaries reported personally to the Sultan?
- What was the advantage for empires like the Mughal of letting subject peoples retain their languages, religions, and customs?
- What attracted Peter the Great to study Europe?
- Do you think the existence of the Church in Europe was a significant factor in preventing an empire from forming?
- How did the spread of new knowledge encourage humanism and skepticism?
- How does the existence of a written language alter how we think of people’s level of civilization?
- Compare the Taiping Rebellion to the US Civil War, which happened about the same time. How were the two conflicts similar and different?
- How did dynastic politics in Europe affect the American colonies?
- Why did many workers find industrial cities challenging to live in?
Homework
Choose a country and prepare a 5 – 7 minute PowerPoint presentation.
Presentations must include:
- General current demographics
- Hofstede, other cultural theories
- Overview of country’s beginnings
- History, development and outcome(s) of a disparity within your chosen country (Disparities can be social, economic, or political)
- Contemporary social issues
Presentations may also include all or some of the following:
- Family culture
- National character
- Religion
- Geography’s influence on country’s history
“Discussion” by Dr. Kathryn Weinland is adapted from discussion questions included in Modern World History by Dan Allosso and Tom Williford, licensed CC BY-NC-SA, except where otherwise noted.
“Homework for Part Six: History of Major Cultures” by Dr. Kathryn Weinland is licensed CC BY.
