2024 Fall Humanities Exams

Terms I struggle with and QnA

What is poetic apostrophe in literature?

A literary device in which the speaker addresses either an absent person or a non-human object, idea, or being.

What are the three forms of irony?

Verbal irony, situational irony, and dramatic irony.

What is parallelism?

Using the same pattern of words to show that two or more ideas have the same level of importance.

Define paradox in literature.

A complete statement that seems self-contradictory but reveals a truth upon further examination.

What does the term 'Muse' refer to?

A person who is a source of artistic inspiration.

What characterized Shang China?

Towns loosely controlled by kings, agriculture-based, and known for bronze production.

Explain the Mandate of Heaven.

A concept whereby Heaven grants the right to rule to a dynasty; when trouble arises, it shifts to a new dynasty.

What technology was used in Shang China that aided administration and warfare?

Horse-drawn chariots.

Describe Zhou China.

A decentralized monarchy supported by the Mandate of Heaven, featuring autonomous provinces and a golden age.

What were the two main rivers of Zhou China?

Yangtze River (Chiang Jiang) and Yellow River (Huang He).

What were the characteristics of Qin China?

Strong central state under Emperor Shihuangdi, Legalism, and the construction of the Great Wall.

What were the civil service examinations in Han China?

Long examinations to qualify for bureaucratic positions, promoting Confucian values.

How did Buddhism spread in Han China?

Buddhism gained prominence through cultural assimilation, though initial support was limited.

Who was Emperor Wudi?

The seventh and longest-reigning Han emperor known for establishing an imperial academy.

What rebellion occurred during the Han Dynasty?

The Yellow Turban Rebellion, caused by social unrest and dissatisfaction among peasants.

Describe the Byzantine Empire's significance.

A center of trade, diverse culture, and a key player between two trading seas.

What was Mohenjo-Daro known for?

Urban planning, including private toilets and a sewage system.

What did Harappa contribute to urban development?

It featured a well-thought-out sewage system and indicated advanced urban planning.

Discuss the Maurya Empire's governance.

First and largest of India's classical empires, characterized by a civilian bureaucracy and military force.

Who was Ashoka in the Maurya Empire?

The greatest Mauryan emperor known for his edicts promoting Buddhism and moral governance.

What was the Umayyad Caliphate's role in Islam?

Played a pivotal role in spreading Islam through military conquests and cultural exchanges.

Who overthrew the Umayyads?

The Abbasids overthrew the Umayyad Caliphate.

What was the Abbasid Caliphate known for?

Promoting the Islamic Golden Age, advancements in arts and technology.

Describe Alexander the Great's legacy.

Known as a great military leader who created a vast empire, but struggled with effective governance.

What was Axum's main economic activity?

Agriculture and long-distance trade, particularly in the Red Sea and Indian Ocean.

What led to Zimbabwe's wealth?

Its strategic position in a global trading network and control over trade routes.

What does the Neolithic Revolution signify?

The transition to agriculture, which laid the foundation for modern civilizations.

What are advantages of farming and herding?

Controlled food supply, food surplus, and creation of specialized labor.

Who are the Hebrews?

Jewish people whose religious beliefs were persecuted, with non-proselytizing customs.

What does Stoicism emphasize?

Self-control and overcoming destructive emotions.

Define Epicureanism.

The philosophy that pleasure is the highest good and avoiding pain creates happiness.

What is cuneiform?

The Sumerian writing system, using marks on clay tablets for record-keeping.

What is Romanization?

The process through which Roman culture influenced local populations, blending traditions.

What is Justinian's Code?

A compilation of Roman laws condensed by Emperor Justinian, outlining legal principles.

What were Plato's key beliefs?

Philosophers should be kings, ideal forms exist, and moral goodness is essential.

What did Aristotle contribute to philosophy?

The concept of the Doctrine of Mean and belief in empirical observation.

Who was Sundiata Keita?

The founder of the Mali Empire, known for creating community and alliances.

What themes are central in Rumi's poetry?

Divine love and the journey of the soul towards unity with God.

What is Hagia Sophia?

A significant Byzantine church that was later converted into a mosque.

What are Gregorian chants characterized by?

Being monophonic and sung in Latin or Greek without regular rhythm.

What is the function of Hindu temples?

A dwelling place for gods and a social hub for community gatherings.

What are the Pillars of Ashoka?

Monolithic columns inscribed with edicts promoting Buddhist principles.

What do Buddhist stupas symbolize?

Monuments containing relics of the Buddha, serving as meditation sites.

Contrast Byzantine and Islamic mosaics.

Byzantine mosaics depict Christian figures, while Islamic mosaics focus on geometric patterns.

What is a dome's architectural significance?

Symbolizes a heavenly connection, often resting on a rotunda's walls.

What characterizes early Southeast Asian art?

A deep connection to nature, often featured in temple decorations.