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Comparative
Essay Prompts
Arranged by Periodization

The status of these (150±) comparative essays ( ) are noted with asterisks.

***** = excellent with HTML endnotes and/or interactive quiz!
**** = well done and sources listed
*** = ok but might lack a list of sources, or incorrect citations
** = barely acceptable
* = unacceptable, seeking replacement
empty = seeking CMP essay on this subject
@ = requested by student (initials)

Time Periods:
* Foundations * 650-1450 * 1450-1750 * 1750-1914 * 1914-Present * multiple time periods
Week = Week as listed in the Assignment Bank. "new" = not listed on the Assignment Bank
Status
 Updated
Week
 Foundations
1
 Compare how a Christian's understanding of the Bible and the nature of God affects their assessment of and compassion towards Islam.
1
 Respond to this comment from the guestbook, "...Christianity has murdered more people in the name of their God and wiped out entire cultures than probably any other group in history."
1
 Using Daniel and other verses, support a theology of God’s providence over even the most evil nations. Compare how other religions interpret the exsistence of evil
1
 If Jesus never said, "I Am God", who did? Buddha, Mohammad... ?
1
 Compare the Greco-Roman theory with Asian beliefs about endless cycles of history.
2
 Compare various creation accounts and deduce the underlying cosmology of - societies that authored them.(e.g., Pima vs. Iroquois, China's Pan Gu vs. Genesis, Cherokee vs.Navajo, Pan Gu vs. Apache)
2
 Use earthquakes to contrast cultures. How did cultures explain the causes and interpret the effects of earthquakes?
2
 Compare the Epic of Gilgamesh with Noah's Flood. Are there other flood stories that have an element of truth?
2
 Compare and contrast the traditional trade routes of the King's Highway of the Middle East and the Silk Road. In what form do these exist today?
@dam4
2
 What part did environment play in allowing Eurasians to conquer the native peoples of Africa, Australia, or the Americas? (hint: Guns, Germs and Steel by Jared Diamond)
3
 Why didn’t the early Mississippi and/or Amazon Rivers develop great civilizations as did the Tigris, Nile, Yellow, and Indus Rivers? Focus on geo-political, migratory, and biological reasons for cultural development.
3
 Compare the Border Sacrifice Prayers of ancient China to the ancient Hebrew sacrificial system.
3
 Compare the content of Hammurabi's Code, Mosaic Law, and Justinian Law (6th century Eastern Roman law).
3
 Contrast the theology behind Mosiac Law with Hammurabi's Code and Justinians' Code
3
 Describe the different approaches in contextual criticism and interpretation that a historian and theologian use to understand religious documents such as the Torah or Acts of the Apostles.
3
 Compare the reasons and methods that brought about the fall of Assyria, Babylon, and Persia. Mention Biblical prophecy in your analysis.
3
 How and why did Austronesian speaking peoples differ in society and culture from the Aborigines of Australia?
4
 Compare the lives of women in Rome with those in Han China.
5
 Contrast the scribal methods in the traditions of copying the Torah, the Koran, and the New Testament. How is textual reliability preserved?
5
 Compare the reasons and methods that brought about the fall of Assyria, Babylon, and Persia. Mention Biblical prophecy in your analysis.
5
 What are the most reasonable interpretations of the book of Daniel chapters 7-12? E.g., Abomination of Desolation, removal of daily sacrifice, indications/interpretations of time. How might these interpretations contrast with a secular approach to history?
5
 What other forgeries have influenced the course of history as much as the “Donation of Constantine” which the Papacy used to claim the Western Roman Empire?
5
 Compare the Torah and the Koran for historical accuracy.
5
 Are there significant differences in the ways that religions have gathered their sacred scriptures? What evidence is there to support the reliability of oral history?
-
5
 Compare and reconcile the four gospel accounts of Jesus’ Resurrection. Who first approached the empty tomb? Who did they first see at the tomb? Who first told Mary about the Resurrection? Who and where did Jesus first appear to? What did the women do when they heard the news?
-
5
 Compare teachings on hell in the Hindu, Buddhist, Taoist, Muslim, and Christian traditions. Under the Christian category differentiate between Roman Catholic and Jehovah Witness doctrines. According to scripture, will the unredeemed immortal soul suffer eternal torment in hell?
6
 Contrast the theocracy of Moses over the Hebrews, with an Islamic State under Sharia law. What is the result of authority based on revealed absolutes?
6
 How were representations of the human form reflections of cultural and religious values in Egyptian, Greek, and Buddhist works? Explain Islamic and Eastern Orthodox reaction to human depictions.
-
6
 Compare and contrast how the religions of Greece and Rome influenced the justification of political authority and military engagements.
6
 What similarities do pre-Christian European religions have with modern Christianity?
@taw
6
 How was Taoism a reaction to the practical, political morals of Confucianism?
6
 Given the established religions/philosophies of Taoism, Confucianism, and Shintoism, how come Mahayana Buddhism gained such popularity?
@scm
6
 In the 4th century, Christianity was declared to be the state religion by King Ezana of Aksum (Ethiopia) and by Constantine of Constantinople. Explain why this happened and what became of it?
6
 Compare the establishment of sole legal religions such as Christianity by Theodosius I in 379, and Mahayana Buddhism by the proto-Tibetan politico-military genius, Fu Jian in 382. What was the result of a politician centralizing religion and sweeping away opposition?
np@cs
6
 Compare the Roman emperors' tolerance for and support of Christianity with Ashoka's support for Buddhism. What were the consequences of imperial support?
6
 How was Constantine’s recognition of Christianity (313 AD) similar to Charlemagne being crowned by the Pope (800 AD)? In both cases, what was the result of the relationship established between church and state?
7
 How were the political developments in the empires of Rome and China impacted by Christianity and Confucianism.
7
 How did the Romans and the Han Chinese legitimize their political power by claiming a "mandate from heaven"?
7
 Analyze how the Hundred Years War effected the establishment of strong central monarchies in France and England.
7
 With help from A Feudalism WebQuest: Japan and Europe compare the organization, religious justifications, and consequences of feudalism in these two distinct regions.
7
 Describe the development of Buddhism in China and India. Discuss the how the different social and political structures enhanced or diminished the growth.
7
 Compare and contrast reasons and reactions for the decline and fall of the Chinese Han and Roman empires.
-
8
 How did the destruction of Mycenaean civilization in twelfth century B.C, (which led to the birth of Greek culture) compare with the rise of Hindu or Confucious philosophy after destruction in those regions?
8
 Compare the Babylonian Exile of Judah in the sixth century B.C. (which led to spiritual revival and a rebuilt Jerusalem), demonstrate common processes with Europe rising from the "Dark Ages" after the fall of the Roman Empire? What was the influence of the Byzantine empire?
8
 Compare Medieval and Renaissance Music
9
 Discuss the Mongolian Empire and how they were influenced by Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism. (hint)
9
 Compare and contrast the religions of Japan and India with a focus on how religion indirectly determines the country's internal politics and external world involvement.
9
 Compare Charlemagne's fight against the Lombards and Saxons with Atilla the Hun's fight against the Visigoths?
Status
Week
 650-1450
@jer2
11
 Compare the religious hierarchy of Islam (caliphs, imans, mullahs …) with the structural leadership of the Greek Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches.
11
 Compare and contrast current Greek Orthodox and Islamic practices of birth, marriage, divorce, and death. How is theology reflected in ritual? Are there variations between Sunni and Shiite?
@mab4
11
 Compare how the teachings of Mohammad have been interpreted to deal with abortion, homosexuality, birth control, death penalty, dietary restrictions, and environmental protection with interpretations of the more ancient teachings of Buddha or Confucius.
11
 Contrast the Sunnite and Shiite branches of Islam in their theology, culture, and politics.
@hee2
11
 Compare the religious leaders of Judaism and Islam. How does the selection and training of a Rabbi and Imam or mullah differ? How are the functions of their offices similar?
11
 Compare the spread of Christianity with the spread of Islam during the first two centuries of each religion's existence.
11
 Compare the theological differences between Islam and Christianity.
11
 Analyze the early Islamic theological divisions (Sunni versus Shiite) with the early Protestant divisions. Were Christians faced with similar causes for disunity as those faced by the Muslims?
@am
11
 Contrast the how the early Christian church fathers solved disputes with each other with how early Muslim leaders solved internal disputes.
@jl
new
 Compare government endorsed book burnings. Discuss the immediate purpose and long term significance. e.g. Mao's Cultural Revolution, Spanish Inquisition, others.
@ash4
new
 Compare Buddhists temples and monks verses Shinto shrines and priests? Why are these religions so compatible in Japan?
@cah5
new
 Compare the lives of monks in asian and european monasteries .
12
 Being as objective as possible, outline the differences between Calvinism and Armenianism.
13
 Compare the achievements of Great Zimbabwe with the Amerindian civilization of the Mayan.
13
 Why were the Spaniards the subjugators of the Incas instead of the Incas eventually having dominion over the Spaniards?
-
13
 Religion plays a significant role in placing value on items. Compare the economic system of the Chinook and Apache Indians.
13
 Religion plays a significant role in placing value on items. Compare the economic system of the Aztec and the Mayas.
13
 Compare the religious differences between the Maya and the Olmec, and how those differences influenced the other aspects of their culture.
13
 Compare Cortez and Pizarro. (3 essays submitted, need to be condensed into one)
14
 What parallels can be drawn between the treatment of the Jews during the Black Plague of the 14th century and the Holocaust of the 20th century.
@chc2
14
 What is the environmental impact on a populations economic, social, cultural, and political role? Compare Venice, Italy and Dhaka, Bangladesh and Maputo, Mozambique.
14
 Compare the economic, social, cultural, and political role of Samarkand and Timbuktu.
*cp
14
 Compare the economic, social, cultural, and political role of modern Cairo and Guangzhou (Canton).
Status
Week
 1450-1750
15
 Compare the knights of Europe and the Samurai of Japan. What was the result of these traditions?
15
 Discuss Russia's interactions with the west in general in comparison to Russia's interactions with the Mughal India.
15
 Describe and contrast Western "Spheres of Influence" in Asia.
15
 Compare the cause and effect of the 11th century Seljuk Turks and the 15th century (1453) Ottoman Turks. What impact did these invaders have on their conquered territory?
-
15
 Describe and compare the influence of different European nations between about 1450 and 1750 on the economy and religion Asia.
16
 Describe and compare European influence between about 1490 and 1750 on economy and religion in the Americas.
16
 Compare the Spanish and Aztec religions by examining their gods, priests, and the military support. (hint)
@jeg
17
 Explain the political, economic, and social motives for Imperialism during the colonization of Africa. How did the colonial policies of the Portuguese, Germans and Spanish differ?
17

Explain the political, economic, and social motives for Imperialism during the colonization of Africa. How did the colonial policies of Great Britain, France, and Belgium differ?
18
 Compare the results of the English victory over the Spanish Armada (1588) with the victory over the French fleet (Cape Trafalgar, 1805).
18
 Compare Elizabeth of England and Isabella of Spain in the context of Machiavelli.
@js
18
 Discuss how nations developed between 1400 - 1700. Compare Spain to Portugal.
18
 Discuss how nations developed between 1400 - 1700. Compare Italy to Germany [@jos****]
18
 Discuss how nations developed between 1400 - 1700. Compare France to England
@ac
19
 Compare the economic, social, cultural, and political role of two African empires such as Kongo, Benin, Ono, Mali and Songhai.
@yas
20
 Trace the History of Medicine from the Greeks and the Hippocratic Oath to the Renaissance
20
 Compare the lives of Martin Luther and the Apostle Paul.
20
 Compare the political ideas of two philosophers: Locke and Voltaire. How did individual thought change national behavior?
20
 Compare the political ideas of two philosophers: Hobbes and Locke. How did individual thought change national behavior?
20
 Compare the political ideas of the philosophers: Voltaire and Rousseau. How did individual thought change national behavior?
20
 Compare the cultural, political and economic significance of the Protestant Reformation in Europe and the Neo-Confucian Reformation in Ming China.
20
 Describe the differences between the art spawned by the Protestant Reformation verses the Catholic Counter-Reformation.
21
 Discuss Russia's general interactions with the west, in comparison to Russia's interactions with Asia.
@and
21
 Discuss Russia's interactions with the west in general in comparison to Russia's interactions with the Ottoman Empire.
21
 Compare how Frederick William and Frederick the Great strengthened Prussia's government with how Peter the Great attempted to westernize Russia.
Status
Week
 1750-1914
@yas
22
 Compare the English Civil war and the French Revolution in which both countries executed their kings. Discuss the effects of the sudden power/ knowledge of power management vacuum.
22
 Contrast the biblical justification that both sides claimed during the US Civil War and the Spanish Civil War. What different arguments did a Protestant nation or a Catholic nation use defend its position. Provide justifications claimed pulpits, and rationalizations of the religious interpretations offered by the defeated.
22
 Compare the monarcies of France and England during the 18th century.
22
 Compare the events that lead to the American Revolution and the French Revolution.
24
 Compare the impact of the Transcontinental Railroad in the USA with the Trans-Siberian Railroad.
23
 How does environmental based diseases such as malaria and the tsetse fly influence the development of sub-Saharan Africa?
23
 What is the impact water can have on a population's economic, social, cultural and political role?
@alh
23
 Weigh the the costs and benefits the revolutions in industry and agriculture have had on society and the environment.
24
 Compare the scientific revolutions in "Christian" Europe, "Muslim" Ottoman Empire, "Hindu" India, and "Buddhist" China between 1700 and 1900.
24
 Compare how the Industrial Revolution and the Agriculture Revolution effected each other and affected society during the 18th and 19th centuries
24
 Compare the building of the Panama Canal with that of the Suez Canal.
25
 Compare the Portuguese method of exploration and trade (Asia and Africa) with the Spanish method of exploration and trade (Americas)
25
 Contrast government regulations aimed at minorities such as the Dhimmi and Jim Crow laws.
25
 Trace the development of the African slave trade from Arab incursions to European trade routes. Focus on the treatment and justification for the African Diaspora and the participation of African slave traders.
25
 Compare African colonization by the British, French and Belgium.
26
 Compare Japan's expansionist ideas with those of the United States.
26
 Compare the acquistion of Hawaii and the Philippines by the USA
26
 Compare reactions to foreign domination in China and India.
@abt
26
 How has China suppressed religious uprisings from the Quin Dynasty to present times in order to protect their status quo
26
 Compare German (Bismarck's 5 step program) with Italian Unification. Contrast the political movements, and results of rapid industrialization.
27
 Contrast a Puritan colony with Mormons under Smith and Young, What is the result of authority based on revealed absolutes?
27
 Compare the immediate effect of the Monroe Doctrine on various nations.
27
 Compare European treatment of the Natives in North America and New Zealand.
27
 Describe the different long term effects that Spanish, British, and French colonialism created.
*kaw
28
 Analyze the reasons for the Western dominance in political and economic ideology as well as cultural expressions
@nid
28
 Site and analyze the effectiveness of various means of political expression (e.g. reform, resistance, rebellion) against Colonialism or Imperialism.
Status
Week
 1914-Present
29
 Compare and contrast the ideas of Thomas Malthus, John Mills and/or Jeremy Bentham.
29
 Compare and contrast the economic theories of Adam Smith and David Ricardo.
29
 Compare Hubbard's modern Scientology where knowledge brings the elite closer to God to ancient Gnostic mysticism where scholastic understanding of hidden truths leads to perfection.
29
 Compare some notorious religious deceivers in the USA like Jim Jones, Joseph Smith, and David Koresh.
29
 How does the socialism practiced in Acts compare to the socialism of modern times?
29
 Compare theories and facts concerning the origin and development of life on earth.
29
 Compare partisan differences between US Democrats and Republicans. Trace the affect those differences
have had in the history foreign politics.
29
 Select opera samples as a style of political expression. Dicuss what influence history had on the content of the story and if the opera itself served as propaganda to support a nationalistic cause.
29
 Compare the Biblical view on animals against the viewpoint promoted by "People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals".
29
 How has pop psychology influenced the Christian Church?
29
 Compare and contrast the major religions currently practiced in China and Greece.
29
 Other than official war, recount the violent interactions between Jews, Christians and Muslims in the last 100 years.
29
 Compare the ideologies and consequences of the US involvement in the Vietnam and Korean conflicts.
30
 Compare the 1905 & 1917 Russian Revolutions (Nicholas and Alexandra)
30
 Describe the how the Jews came to Russia and why they left.
30
 Compare Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein with Yugoslavia dictator Tito. Both repressed ethnic, religious differences through emphasis of nationalism. How was this done? Was it necessary? What happened to the segments of society after the dictator was out of power?
30
 What where the effects of WWI on Africa, Latin America and the Pacific Islands? How did this impact Christian missions in those regions?
30
 Summarize the cause and expansion of WWI. Contrast the reasons why the USA and the USSR entered as allies.
30
 Compare the Cold War advancements of the USA and USSR air force and space programs.
**
30
 Describe and compare the "race for space" between the USA and the USSR beginning in the mid 1900's.
-
30
 Describe and compare how the German and Japanese automobile industries competed against the USA.
30
 Compare the values, implementation, and consequences of European and Japanese imperialism.
jel&rig
30
 Compare how WWII brought an end to colonial power in Africa, SE Asia, and India.
30
 Compare the downfall of the tyrants Adolph Hitler (Germany) and Saddam Hussein (Iraq)
30
 Compare the Chinese Red Army under Mao to Nazi Germany under Hitler
30
 Compare the effect of revolution on the role of women in Russia and Mexico.
30
 Compare the causes and results of the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor and the attack of September 11, 2001
31
 Compare the effect of revolution on the roles of women in Russia and China.
31
 Compare the effect of revolution on the roles of women in Russia and Cuba.
31
 Compare the effect of revolution on the roles of women in China and Iran.
31
 The impact of WWI and WWII on the role of women and minorities?
31
 Compare indirect paternalism of Great Britain with direct assimilation of France.
31
 Discuss the major differences and similarities between women suffrage movements (1860-1960) and Civil Rights movements (1950's-1960's).
-
31
 Discuss the major differences and similarities between Zapatistas (largely Mayan) uprising in the state of Chiapas, Mexico (1910-2000) and the Native American struggles, e.g., reservations, government promises, and the trail of tears (1831-1859)
@jv
31
 Analyze the hardships of life under Islamic theocracy (e.g. Iran or the Taliban) with that of fascists and communist dictatorships.
@abt
31
 Compare the 1990's genocides in the Balkin's under Milosevic with the Tutis.
31
 Compare the 1915 genocide of Armenians (a Christian minority within the Ottoman /Muslim Empire) [more] with the massacres of the Kurds under Iraqi leadership.
31
 How did the causes and effects of decolonization in Latin America and Africa differ or resemble each other?
32
 Compare reactionary art forms (dance and music) of American History between 1920 and 1970. What were the social, political, and cultural influences that nurtured their development?
32
 In what way is Christianity in conflict with popular culture?
32
 Is there a simularity between Roman Coliseum sports and World Cup soccer? Is there a common thread of sociology, mass psychology, and individual desire... that continues to entertain spectators?
@til
32
 Compare two (nonwestern) nations that are resistant to an encroaching, global, consumer culture. Why are they hesitant to becoming part of the homogenized melting pot of western economics?
33
 Describe patterns and results of decolonization in Africa and India
33
 Contrast Laissez- Faire Capitalism with Modified Market Capitalism.
33
 Compare an Asian nation rising in economic power such as Japan, China, or India with a powerful OPEC member nation of the Middle East. How does culture impact GNP?
33
 How was Cuba and China "lost" to communism?
@sm
33
 Compare two holy sites that attract pilgrims, e.g., Mecca, Jerusalem, Vatican City, and Salt Lake City. How have these organizations dealt with economic corruption?(hint).
34
 Contrast Japanese kamikaze bombers with Palestinian suicide bombers.
34
 Compare the United States call for an international alliance against terror to the Vatican’s call for powers to join together in a crusade against aggressive Islam that had swept across Northern African and the Middle East.
34
 Compare the effect of appeasement during WWII and reaction of the international community against the War on Terror.
35
 How has the cannula become the chief weapon of mass destruction throughout the world, (each year killing 1.3 million in the USA)? (compare with wars, e.g., Iraq)
35
 See The American Mongols and then compare how Christians and Muslims fundamentalists have given radically different religious interpretations to the same events.
@mas1
35
 How does the Theory of a New Age of Aquarius contrast with Apocalyptic Predictions?
35
 Explain the growing rift between the idealism, policies, religion, and power of the E.U. and that of the U.S.A.. What are the causes and effects of their differences?
35
 Introduce the major views of eschatology since 70AD up through 1948 (e.g., Preterist, Dispensationalist, etc.). Summarize the milliannialist doctrines (pre-, post-, a-) and rapture positions (pre-trib, mid-trib, post-trib). Include mention of covenants for national Israel and spiritual Israel (the Church).
35
 Make a cost-benefit analysis of personal civic participation vs. non-participation. Does the cost of time, effort and knowledge requirements outweigh the benefits of exercising civic rights?
multiple time periods
@jab2
13
 Respond to this comment from the guestbook, "...Christianity has murdered more people in the name of their God and wiped out entire cultures than probably any other group in history."
17
 Compare the rise and fall of the Seljuk and Ottoman Empires.
*@dap1
25
 Compare laws which supress minorities. Contrast "Jim Crow" laws of the US south, Apartide of South Africa, and Dhimmitude practices of Islamic states.
29
 Compare the education system and training of children in Sparta with the education and training of children in Germany before and during WWII.
@jot2
29
 Compare partisan differences between US Democrats and Republicans. Trace the affect those differences have had in the history foreign politics. Try to include policies concerning Israel, abortion, and the environment as influenced through the UN or NGOs.
29
 How might the analogy of "Sufism is to Islam as Charismatic Pentecostalism is to Orthodox Christianity" be supported or denied?
32
 Is there a simularity between Roman Coliseum sports and World Cup soccer? Is there a common thread of sociology, mass psychology, and individual desire... that continues to entertain spectators?
32
 Contrast the meaning behind mutilation of the body. For example, are lip rings, ear piercing, foot binding, neck extension, tattoos, and flatheads merely decorative?
33
 Compare and contrast the “protection money” extorted by various governments and religions over time. Investigation may include the causes of the Barbary Wars, Hindu religious tax (padakanikai), dhimmi minorities taxed (avania) under Islamic rule, the nations who paid tribute to China, and even Mafia turf wars which extorted Chicago.
34
 Compare a few “Trojan Horses” of history. When have treaties been made only as a trick to bide time in order to build up military force? Think of why Hitler was offered appeasement. Did he make promises he did not intent to keep? How about Muhammad’s attack on Mecca? Were the Oslo Accords a Trojan Horse?
35
 Why did the Jews miss Jesus as Messiah? Are the prophesies of His second coming any less obscure?
35
 Contrast Biblical Theology with Pop Psychology. How have ideas from humanistic psychology infiltrated Christianity? When did this process begin?
35
 Describe the effect of evolution on US History.
 
35
 Compare propagation of ideologies in school textbooks. Look at indoctrinations under Hitler, Stalin, and Arafat. Also comment on World History books published in the USA which teach evolutionary theory as fact along with politically correct revisionist history.
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