World History Discussion Questions

World History Discussion Questions

In this assignment, you will engage in a discussion about how China’s adoption of Buddhism and Rome’s adoption of Christianity have affected modern American culture. You may be tempted to think that events of our distant past have no real relevance in today’s modern world. However, this assignment encourages you to take a closer look. Compare the Greco-Roman, or Western, cultural tradition with the Asian, or Eastern, cultural tradition during the first millennium. Then look for its influence on Eastern and Western cultural traditions in modern cultures.

• Briefly describe the way you perceived the differences between the East and the West before taking this course.

• Based on the information you have learned in this course, what, in your opinion, are the fundamental differences between Eastern and Western cultures of the first millennium?

• How does knowing the history of the East and West change your perceptions of modern differences between the two regions?

• Choose an aspect of modern culture, such as New Year’s celebrations or predominant architectural styles, and analyze how: the aspect of culture is perceived in Eastern and Western cultural traditions.

  • Eastern and/or Western cultural traditions have influenced the aspect in modern cultures.