*Western Civilization, 7th edition, Jackson J. Spielvogel – required textbook for this essay. you should get information from only this textbook.
Requirements
1) 12 point font, double spaced, one inch margins
2) include a descriptive title
3) you must cite all sources used. For the primary sources which i’m going to provide you, use either quotes or paraphrases and include an in-text citation (Document 4.1, 55). For historical background, use an in-test citation (Spielvogel, 222). You should use only information from Spielvogel for historical background. A bibliography is not required
Essay should include the following information:
1) an introduction with a thesis statement. Your thesis statement should make some sort of historical argument about the impact of the texts (ie…”these texts demonstrate ________ about the nature of ________) or something to that effect. Your argument may have more than one focus
2) historical background about the topic and authors of the document. You may use your textbook for this portion, but you must cite the information used in text.
3) an analysis of the primary texts. This means that you should reiterate your historical argument or arguments and then use examples from the primary sources to prove your argument. Use the questions provided in the topic descriptions as a guide.
4) a conclusion that sums up your findings and reiterates your thesis / argument
5) keep in mind that your analytical task here is to create an argument and support it with evidence. Therefore the questions you address in your paper will depend upon that argument
Topic: Turning Points in Christianity
Initially buoyed by conversion of Constantine in the 4th century, by the 5th century AD Christianity had become the dominant religion of Western Civilization. As with all institutions, it continually evolved while remaining true to certain key principles and beliefs. Select four of the following documents (primary sources) listed below and prepare an essay discussing the key turning points in the history of Christianity. After providing appropriate historical background, address some or all of the following questions: What issues were important to Christians at specific times in history? What struggles to you see between the church and state? How have the powers of the papacy evolved over time? How does the church deal with the issue of toleration? Do you find examples of intolerance and superstition? Do you see any significant similarities or differences to contemporary Christianity?
Primary sources list – 4.1 St. Augustine, City of God
4.2 The Conversion of Clovis
5.1 Gregory VII, Dictatus Papae
7.1 Martin Luther, Address to the Christian Nobility of the German Nation
7.2 John Calvin, The Institutes of the Christian Religion
