FINAL EXAM Requirements:
Students will use their weekly online responses and discussions to complete a 2-page paper which highlights what you have learned in the course.  This SHOULD NOT be a cut and paste of your discussions and responses, this SHOULD BE an evaluation of your responses and a summation of what you have learned from your readings, discussion questions and responses to your classmates.  At the beginning of the semester, I will ask you, “What do you think it means to be human?” and this final paper should readdress this question and how your answer and perceptions of what it is to be human has changed or not changed and why.
I am looking for CONTENT here, and will grade this assignment accordingly.
For the full 200 points you must have the following:
– Structure of the paper is clear and easy to follow.
– Introduction provides sufficient background on the topic and previews major points.
– Paragraph transitions are present and logical and maintain the flow of thought throughout the paper.
– Conclusion is logical and flows from the body of the paper
-Rules of grammar, usage, and punctuation are followed; spelling is correct. Paper contains no more than 3 errors.
– Language is clear and precise; sentences display consistently strong, varied struct
-Content is comprehensive, accurate, and persuasive.
– Major points are stated clearly and are well supported.
– Content and purpose of the writing are clear.
-Paper contains relevant, specific, and personal reflection on the topic
YOUR FINAL EXAM OR CREATIVE PROJECT ARE DUE NO LATER THAN MAY 6th!

Week 1: Introductions and What it Means to be Human

I think there’s many different opinions when someone’s asking “what does it mean to be human.” to me It means that we have the ability to know whats right and whats wrong. To improve upon what has come before us, and what we need to do to further educate what will follow us.  Someone who exhibits compassion, creativity and love for others, and to have the opportunity to find out who you really are as a person, and what you are capable of. We as humans are intelligent species, which we have better knowledge than other species like animals. We as humans are also able to provide for ourselves, especially with the advancements of technology. We as human learn from nature and use what we’ve learned to make machines to better our lives. I believe this is what it means to be human!
 

Week 2 Discussion: Who Wants to Live Forever: Gilgamesh and Immortality

 
 
 
Discussion Topic: Who Wants to Live Forever? 
INSTRUCTIONS:
Please make sure you read the portions of Gilgamesh, including the excerpt I  provided for you, AND Ecclesiastes 9:7-10. This is an exercise in astute reading, so make sure you really pay attention to what is being said in both these pieces.

1. Compare and contrast Siduri’s advice to Gilgamesh with the advice given in Ecclesiastes 9:7-10.

Please address the following items in your post:

• What do these two readings share?
• How do they differ?
• What is the lesson which both Siduri and Ecclesiastes is trying to tell us?
• What have you learned from this advice?

2. Finally, discuss why the issue of immortality is so important to Gilgamesh. Does he fear death, or love life?

MY RESPONSE:
The advice that was given to Gilgamesh by Siduri and that in the book of Ecclesiastes 9:7-10 share some similarities. In both readings, the advice encourages human beings to love and appreciate the things that bring enjoyment and pleasure to them since that is what makes people truly human.  Nevertheless, the two interpretations differ in several ways. In Gilgamesh’s advice, Siduri state that death was appointed by the gods to mankind after they created him and kept eternity in their life while that is not mentioned in the Ecclesiastes reading. The lesson that both Siduri and Ecclesiastes readings are trying to tell us is that life or mortality is short and thus people should spend their limited life in doing the things they live and enjoying it with the people they love. From this advice, I have learned that the utmost response to mortality is to do things that make me happy, love and appreciate the people in my life.
The subject of immortality is very important to Gilgamesh as he is seen terrified of his own life after the death of Enkidu. Gilgamesh learned that death is inevitable and inescapable for all human beings and that only the gods can live eternally. He wanted to learn immortality so that he can live forever like the gods. After the death of Enkidu, Gilgamesh is afraid of death and the thought of his life coming to an end and dying terrified him. That is the main reason why Gilgamesh set his quest to the forest to such for Utnapishtim so that he can learn the secret of eternity and how he can live forever like the gods . However, in the end, Gilgamesh learns that death is inescapable and compulsory for every human being.
 
 
Week 3 Discussion:

Discussion Topic: Sappho & Love Songs

 
INSTRUCTIONS:
Sappho’s poetry was written to be lyrical and sung to the accompaniment of a lyre, as you heard in the one video, and many scholars have called Sappho the inventor of the love song.

1. Post lyrics from one of your favorite love songs and tell us what you think the attitude towards love is and how it compares or differs from that of Sappho’s love songs.  Have love songs changed so much in over 2000 years?
2. Now that you have read Sappho’s poetry and the information given to you, how would you describe her views/attitude towards love?

Please use examples from her poetry in your post, and explain why you feel this way.
My Response:
One of my favorite love songs would have to be by Joe and the song is called, I wanna know, and the lyrics go
”It’s amazing how you knock me off my feet
Every time you come around me I get weak, oh yeah
Nobody ever made me feel this way, oh
You kiss my lips and then you take my breath away
So I wanna know
I wanna know what turns you on
(Yea, I’d like to know)
So I can be all that and more
(I’d like to know, yea)
I’d like to know what makes you cry
(So)
So I can be the one who always makes you smile.”
I compare this song to Sappho the Anactoria poem because they both share some similarities. If anyone has seen the video for this song I wanna know, it explains it perfectly. This girl is getting treated horribly by her boyfriend (which the singer sees) and he wants to be the ‘man’ for her, someone better than this horrible boyfriend. He’s professing his feelings to her and wants to know everything about her to make her feel good and special, so he can treat her like she deserves to be treated. Then you have the Anactoria where Sappho is praising the beauty of this woman and expresses her desire for her now that she is absent or gone. I do feel like music has changed over the last 2000 years based on the sound of music which is a reflection of today’s culture. Different musical instruments were developed to play together where it makes today’s music sounds more complexed.
I feel like Sappho’s views towards love are what keeps us as people “going.” Love is having a companion, a partner, and someone that you can open up to and just be yourself. based off of Sappho’s poems from her tone, and the words that she used in them shows that she was a true romantic.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Week 4: Discussion Topic: Your Own “Allegory of the Cave”

Instructions:  

Now that you’ve read Plato’s “Allegory of the Cave,” you see just how prevalent this way of thinking still is in our society.
Please answer the following questions:

1. How do the cave-dwellers react to the freed prisoner who returns to the cave? Why do they react that way?
2. Would you want to be released from the cave? Why or why not?
3. What resembles the cave in our/your world?  Facebook, television, other forms of social media, etc.?
4. Who do you think has the power to shape your ideas and beliefs? In what ways is this good and in what ways is it not good?
5. Are there things you know to be true? What are they, and how do you know them?

As always, I stress that these discussions are YOUR opinions and YOUR own insight into the material.   There are no wrong answers.
 
 
 
MY RESPONSE:

1. Actually, the world outside the cave was so appealing as compared to the limitations and bindings inside the cave’s life. When one of them left the cave and saw the world which was so different from their cave’s life. He returned to the cave in order to tell them about real life. Caves’ men did not believe his philosophical truth and threaten him to kill if he ever tries to make them all free from the cave because they want to keep them away from that life and prefer the cave’s world forever.
2. Yes, I definitely want to get a release from the cave. There is a fact that we become habitual of the life which we live for so many years and it is very difficult for us to leave that routine. As far as the cave’s life is concerned, if I leave the cave and see the world differently, I shall prefer to leave the cave and do not return to any cost. There is true meaning of life we can use outside the cave, humans love nature and no bindings at all. This is absolutely an innovative thought in our mind that we shall leave the cave as it is demonstrated by the Plato.
3. The cave life described by the author is basically full of bindings, no freedom and caved men have to live their whole in the cave and never think about life outside the world. In short, they are happy and do not have any concern with the outer world. If we relate it to our world, it can’t be a true comparison because there is life, society, laws, nature, relations, technology etc. without which we can’t survive now. Likewise, the cave’s life as described above does not have any kind of knowledge, education, technology. If they want to come out of that life, they need to come out of the cave and learn the beauty and principles of life.
4. As discussed above the real world, full of means, effective communication, a modern world which is not compatible with the cave’s life. For instance, the man who return to the cave and tried to make the educate about the outer world, they do not even want to listen and threaten to kill him off he tries to set them free. They do not have the urge to come out from the cave, we can shape these ideas in the way to educate them about the reality of life, necessities of life and tell them that there are more other things to eat except snakes and other insects.
5. As we read in Plato’s description about the cave life, it is clear that there is no life in the cave because he presented the life outside the cave people carry animals, eatables and other things on their shoulders, do hard work and earn money. On the other hand, the same life in the cave i.e. days and nights are the same, no movement, no innovations, no means etc. still they are happy. We can relate this cave life to those people who are still uneducated, live in backward areas, embraced their cultures. They need to come out, leave their traditions and learn the new meanings of life and this fast world going far away from our thoughts.

 
 
 
 

Week 6: Rumi and Revelations

 

“Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and right doing,

there is a field.

I will meet you there.

When the soul lies down in that grass,

the world is too full to talk about.

Ideas, language, even the phrase ‘each other’

doesn’t make any sense.”  – Rumi

Rumi’s words are powerful but more importantly they transcend all cultures, all religions and, as we have seen, they also transcend time.  For this week’s discussion, take time to read through some of Rumi’s works.  You can use your textbook, but I encourage you just search for more online (see links below).

Instructions:

1. Choose one of Rumi’s poems that speaks and resonates with you. This should not be hard, trust me, you”ll feel it as soon as you read it, his words  have a way of choosing you.
2. Share that piece with us, tell us why you chose it. Please post either the entire poem, or a specific section that you want to share.
3. DISCUSS IN YOUR OWN WORDS: Why you think Rumi’s works are so timeless; as you’ve seen, he has inspired many of today’s artists; why do you think his words still resonate with us today in the 21st century?
4. What does Rumi teach us about Eastern philosophy and what are the big ideas and values we can take away from his work?

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MY REPONSE:

I liked his poem” Let go of worries” the most as it reflects the situation of a teenager and what he is going through and the difficulties in his live life. Let go of your worries and be completely clear-hearted, like the face of a mirror that contains no images. if you want a clear mirror, behold yourself if metal can be polished to a mirror-like finish, what polishing might the mirror of the heart require? Between the mirror and the heart is this single difference: the heart conceals secrets, while the mirror does not.   I found this poem to be interesting as the youngsters can relate the situation to themselves and can feel that the poem was written for them. Even though the poem was written a long time ago when Rumi was alive, but the youngsters of the recent age can still compare the verses with their situation and circumstances. He urges the youngsters not to conceal the shortcomings in his heart; instead, he asks the youngsters to learn something from it and use it to make themselves better. He compares the polishing of the mirror to the polishing of oneself like he should be able to make himself better and a good person just like he wants to see himself. Rumi says that the struggle to make himself better requires a lot of effort and hard work as compared to the effort required to clean the mirror itself. And the youngsters would have to something about themselves as they might be able to hide their secrets in their heart, but the people around them would be able to judge it so quickly. So, Rubi urges people to make themselves better rather than trying to hide their shortcomings. Youngsters need to do something about themselves to present themselves better, and they need to get rid of their worries, which is causing hurdles and discouraging them from doing something in their lives. His poetry is said to be timeless as it can be compared to any timeline, either if it is before his birth or after his death. People can relate themselves to his verses and get to know more. They can learn how to make themselves better. Not only that, he has motivated other poets and has introduced a new style to convey the message to the youngsters which everyone has found to be interesting. He has familiarized us with eastern philosophy, their daily life, and what they have to go through in their lives. He has told us that the people are loveable, and they are ready to make themselves better.  He has made a huge contribution to society by his poetry, and he has told the youngsters to actually make themselves better. He has taught self-esteem, self-confidence, and other related traits.                                   Week 7 Discussion Topic: The Trial of Jeanne d’Arc Instructions: Our discussion topic this week is going to be interactive. I will be asking you to access the trial records of Jeanne d’Arc. Follow the instructions below to complete this week’s assignment: 1.  First, access Jeanne d Arc’s “Trial of Condemnation” here: https://www.jeanne-darc.info/trial-of-condemnation-index/ (Links to an external site.) 2. Once you have accessed that page, you will see a photo of the trial record on the left, and a list of the contents on the right. Choose ONE of the “examinations” of Jeanne (2-13 on the list). 3. After choosing ONE of these examinations, please read the exam in full. While you read it remember that disputes over Jeanne’s character, are at the root of much of the controversy surrounding her. During the capture and trial of Jeanne d’Arc there were deeply conflicting views of Joan’s character and motivation. Even the Church was divided. Some clergy felt Joan was pure and chaste—her actions and deeds were the work of God. Others believed Joan’s insistence on wearing men’s clothing was blasphemous and that her visions and voices were the devil’s work. Differing perceptions of Joan’s character during her trial Visionary from God – Visionary from Devil Groundbreaking feminist – Troubled youth Dedicated patriot – Disloyal traitor Shrewd leader – Deluded peasant Self-sacrificing saint – Self-serving manipulator Devout Christian – Evil-doing heretic After you have finished reading the examination you’ve chosen, Please post the following to your discussion post: 1. Tell us what exam you chose and LIST at least 2 (TWO) observations and/or assumptions you can make about Jeanne d’Arc based ONLY on the examination you have read. Please share quotes from the exam to support your observations. (For example: she seems delusional because she heard voices, then use a quote from exam to show this). 2. Based on all of our material this week, including the video and information provided in the modules. How do your observations/assumptions from the exam above compare/differ from your overall assumptions on Jeanne?  (Explain in at least 2-3 sentences). (For example: we’ve learned that in the beginning of the trial, she only hears one voice; it is only after days of being coerced that she claims to hear more, how does this differ from your assumptions above, or does it?) Jeanne was never to get a fair trial. She was a girl, dressing and appearing as a man, claiming to hear voices from God and angels.  She dared to cross her societal boundaries. Jeanne was doomed from the beginning. She was too different, too controversial, too confident, and this terrified her male accusers. 3. Think about observations or assumptions someone could make about you based only on your appearance. Think about the assumptions you’ve made about others based on their appearance (Skin color, gender, clothing, tattoos, piercings, hair color, etc.)  In your own words discuss: How do our own modern day prejudices play a part in assuming someone is either good (innocent/moral) or bad (guilty/immoral)based on their appearance?  Are there any current examples you can think of? (Please explain in at least 4-5 sentences). MY RESPONSE: 1.      1. I have chosen the eighth and ninth private examination. She was so much religious as she said:” I refer myself to God, who has sent me, to all saints in paradise and our Lady.” Also, she seemed to be delusional, as she claimed by saying that “Angel painted on the standard which represents Saint Gabriel and Saint Michael.” The girl seemed to be different as compared to others, and most often, she did not agree with what others were saying, and also, people did not want to believe her what she had to tell them. She seemed to be clear and concise, and she was too confident about the things which she was telling other people about what she saw and what type of voices she used to hear. The most critical and fearful thing for the people. Especially males were that she was too confident. Also, her appearance was not liked by anyone by the people she knew as she used to wear the boy’s clothes, which was considered to be too awful back then. 2. 3.      2.We’ve learned that at the beginning of the trial, she only hears one voice; it is only after days of being coerced that she claims to hear more. Jeanne was never to get a fair trial. She was a girl, dressing and appearing as a man, claiming to hear voices from God and angels.  She dared to cross her societal boundaries. Jeanne was doomed from the beginning. She was too different, too controversial, too confident, and this terrified her male accusers. In the face of things she said, she was asked to swear again and again, which was not so common at that place. She was being manipulated, telling the truth, as the people believed that she was not telling the truth. Also, she did not reveal her age when she was being asked again and again. She further tells that she learned to sew and spin, and she had to leave her father’s house, She further claimed that the angel was unstructured in her which was protecting her and it urged her to come to France. When she asked to go to France, then she was refused and was not allowed to leave for France. She also bent her knees when the saints came in and gave them respect. This gesture shows that she was not too controversial, and she was cooperating with the people. 4. 5.      3.Modern-day traditions play a vital role in assuming each other either if the person is good or bad. I saw a person with tattoos and long hair, and I believed that he might be some sort of gangster, but he turned out to be a perfect person when I got to know him, and he was running his own business. Also, someone told me that I seem to be quite decent by my looks and clothing, but I know that much about myself that I am not decent, not as much as he claimed that I was.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Week 10: A Study in Looking at Art

You have now had the opportunity to look at two different versions of the painting “Judith Slaying Holofernes,” by both Caravaggio (Right) and Artemisia Gentilleschi (Left).  At first glance, they may seem like the same painting, but you are being shown two very different images of Judith in these paintings.
Please take a moment to really look at these two paintings.  We can see the similarities very easily, specifically that this is a painting about the same scene.  So what I want, is for you to focus on HOW each artist portrays the character of Judith in these paintings.  Look at her face, her body, how she is positioned.  Look at the use of color, and lighting. 
We’re not looking at works of art for long enough. The exact numbers vary, but studies have determined that the average time a person spends looking at a piece in a museum is between 15 seconds and 30 seconds.
INSTRUCTIONS:
This is a lesson in looking at art. Challenge yourself this week to
LOOK  Take time to look at the work of art AND
DESCRIBE Talk about what you see in the work of art.

1. List at least 4 details from each of the paintings. These can be any details you notice. (From the material to the emotional)

• Explore line, shape, color, composition, material, and subject matter.
• Use expressive language to describe what you see in detail. For example, instead of saying, “I see the sky,” you can say, “I see a dark, foreboding sky full of heavy clouds that sulk across the composition.”

THINK
Interpret and assign meaning to the work of art.

2. What differences(please discuss at least 4) do you see between the “Judith” created by Caravaggio and the Judith created by Artemisia. This is open to your own interpretations, but here are some guidelines to look for below:

• Discuss differences in mood or expression
• Differences between certain details and composition
• What do you think Caravaggio and Artemisia were trying to communicate through their creation of this work of art? And how was this communicated differently?

3. In your opinion, knowing what you do about each artist’s life, what could these differences say about the artist themselves?  (IN YOUR OWN WORDS -3-4 sentences)

CONNECT
Relate what you see to your own life, or to other works of art or images you have seen.

4. IN YOUR OWN WORDS: Which version of this painting do you prefer and why? (2-3 complete sentences)

MY RESPONSE:
There are two paintings of Judith provided to review for the assignment. The painting by Caravaggio is more dark and intense, portraying a terrible theme for viewers. While the second by Artemisia Gentileschi with sharp lines portraying emotions on the face of Judith. These paintings are different in the context of the action performed, meaning of the painting, use of colors, and emotions that we can see on the faces of characters. The way Judith is positioned in the first painting by Artemisia Gentileschi the figure of Judith is not as sharp as in the second painting. But the way she positioned into the first painting by Caravaggio positioned shows more intense feelings like she will kill the man in the next moment. But in the painting by Artemisia Gentileschi, Judith is standing calm and satisfied with having anger on her face. After focusing on the painting,one could say her anger is cold that didn’t intend to harm the men in front of her. But the way the artist lined her face is different then what her action is showing. Both paintings are looking the same because of the dark background of paintings and the almost same posture of men Judith is dealing with. Things that I have noticed from the painting of Artemisia Gentileschi are;

1. Moderate emotional linings on the face of Judith
2. The background is dark that portrays the situation was depressive and offensive
3. Judith was more powerful than the men laying in her foots
4. The men were trying to cope up the situation by resisting against women’s along with Judith

Details form the painting by Caravaggio are as follows;

1. Sharp linings highlight emotions
2. The figure of Judith is leaned then in the first painting
3. In this painting, the men are not resisting, but lines drawn on his face are intensely showing his fear for death
4. Facial expression in this painting is more prominent and highlighted

These two paintings show different perceptions of two artists because almost the theme and use of colors is the same throughout the two artworks. But these difference in the way artists are portraying characters is steadily different. Caravaggio’s use of lining in paintings is more prominent than the other painter. I would relate these paintings to the current society where women are becoming dominant to men the same as in paintings.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Week 11: A Clash of Cultures: Creation Myths from Around the World…

This week we will be looking at different creation myths, and you will be choosing which one you want to explore!
This class is all about getting outside your comfort zone and exploring other beliefs and cultures.  So I encourage you to embrace that and really have fun exploring new, and sometimes very odd, creation stories!
INSTRUCTIONS:

1. First find and research a creation story from a cultureand/or belief that is DIFFERENT from your own. (If you were raised a Christian, then choose a creation myth that is not Genesis; for example Adam & Eve and the Garden of Eden is the creation story as told from the Christian perspective) ) The link to the different myths I provided for you is a good starting point; but feel free to explore other cultures that interest you.
2. Share the creation story that you have chosen with the class:

You can cut and paste from your online source, just make sure you include a link or citatio to your online source.
 
 
MY RESPONSE:
The groups union is considered to be the culture members to believed it happened. But it lacks many details. The myth is about how the five groups joined together, and it is well known that those five groups were known as the Great Iroquois nation, and later the name was changed to the confederacy of the Six Nations. As per the myth, the lower world consisted of water where the swimming animals were the only living things there while the deity’s inhabitants used to live in the upper world. When the goddess is kicked out from the upper world, then the animals from the lower world gather to help her and place them on the Turtles Back.
Mus karat said to Otter and Beaver that the goddess needs someplace to live on then they scooped in the depths of the water to find some earth to live on. Otter and Beaver could not complete the task, but Mus karat’s dead body was floating on the surface, and the earth was in his hands and mouth for the goddess. The goddess spread the earth around and created more areas to live on. On this island, the goddess gave birth to her daughter named Earth Woman and built herself an earthen lodge.  One day, the Earth woman was collecting potatoes, and some wind from the went caused her to become pregnant.
The mother died as the Evil twin wanted to come out first. The Good twin created the sun from her mother’s face, and the moon was made by the back of her head along with various stars. The bean plants were grown from her legs and arms, plants from her chest, and squash vine from her head. They both wanted the place to be ready for the human. It was decided that they would head east and west. The evil twin made massive animals for the human, and the excellent twin made them small. The excellent twin made them small fat animals, and the evil one made them be small and thin. The good one killed his brother and sent the body to the land of silence and waited for them to die.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Week 13: Documentary Photography: Yesterday and Today

For your discussion this week we will look at the early years of documentary photography and how they compare with images used in the news, media, and/or social media today.

1. Please read the essay on “Early Documentary Photography” found at the link below:

https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/edph/hd_edph.htm (Links to an external site.)

2. After you have read the essay, think about how many of these early photographers were social reformers, using their photographs to illuminate “how the other half live.” Consider the significance of their work. Do you consider documentary photography just as effective today? Why or why not? (This should be at least 4-6 sentences)
3. Finally, find a modern day example of a documentary photograph. This can be from an online news article, magazine, photography exhibit or your own photograph. Once you have chosen a photo, tell us where the photo is from and what the message of the photograph is. Some of these images can raise difficult topics, so please be mindful of this and give yourself time to analyze and contemplate. (This should be at least 4-6 sentences)

 
MY RESPONSE:

1. Yes, documentary photography is essential in the modern era as well because it lets people know more about the things happening around them. They only have an idea about what they are going through and what sort of life they are living, they don’t have the slightest idea what other people have to face in their lives and what they are going through so it is better to convey the things to the other people and photography is the best thing to carry out this cause. (Alfred, 2016)
2. This situation is somewhere in Africa, and the picture is taken from 3BL Media.com. The picture shows that Slavery is an issue still in the modern era, and people are not being treated well. It causes poor chain supply chain transparency. These people enjoy no human rights, and they only have commodities that are still to be used, sold, or bought. The picture urges the modern world to take the proper steps to eradicate poverty and to make their lives better. (William, 2016)