Change Over Time
(±150) Essay Prompts
Arranged by Global Region

The Status column contains asterisks to mean:

***** = excellent with HTML endnotes and/or interactive quiz!
**** = well done and sources listed
*** = ok, but perhaps somewhat off topic, without list of sources, or incorrect citations
** = barely acceptable, under developed or no thesis
* = unacceptable, seeking replacement (see Tips for Writing a COT Essay)
empty = seeking COT essay on this subject
@ = in process (has been requested by student initials)

Place = 0=Not confined to a region, 1=Africa & Middle East; 2=Europe, Russia; 3=Asia, Oceanica; 4=the Americas
Week = Week as sequenced in the Assignment Bank.

Status	Place	Week	Question (0=16, 1=8, 2=19, 3=8, 4=7)
-	0	2	The book “Guns, Germs, and Steel” blames environmental determinism for Western domination. Conversely, what support is there for the influence of Christian morals, the desire to spread the gospel, and Calvinist inspired ingenuity which gave rise to “the West”. Allow historical fact to have preeminence over ecumenical concerns or a politically correct guard against an ethnocentric thesis.
****	0	2	How has human need for water, food, shelter and belonging influenced the development of languages from the Tower of Babel until today?
***	0	3	How has human intelligence evolved over the last 5000 years as evidenced by achievements?
@jl	0	3	What is the historical, cultural, and religious significance of male circumcision?
****	0	3	How has evolution theory evolved to keep pace with new evidence?
***	0	3	How did Monotheism and Polytheism merge and divide over time?
****	0	3	Trace the development of metallurgy over time. Focus on the impact of trade, warfare, and culture rather than explaining processes. For example, comment on the changes brought about with bronze rather than the process of smelting of copper and tin to make bronze.
****	0	3	Describe the divisions of ages based on metals. Is it valid to talk about stone, bronze, iron, etc. ages? (see brass and archeological ages)*cp,als@aml
****	0	4	Describe the impact that transportation has had on missions.
****	0	4	Explain the development of the horse and it's historical usefulness.
@ale	0	5	Trace the authentication of the New Testament canon. (See the source code of **** in order to improve on this essay.)
****	0	5	Describe the authorship of the Old Testament canon.
@kaw	0	5	Show the development and reasons for the top ten Bible translations in volume sold. Mention paraphrase interpretations (The Way, The Message) and also cult rewrites (LDS, JW).
-	0	5	The term “Trinity” is not mentioned in the Bible and yet is a key doctrine of Christianity. Trace how Christians came to teach about the Trinity from Biblical times up through the Reformation. Concentrate on historical developments more than theology. Try to mention trimurti, Constantine, Filioque, Arius, Ecumenical Councils, sefirot, Muslims, Luther, Mormans, and Jehovah Witnesses (the watch tower said, “Satan is the originator of the Trinity doctrine.”).
****	0	5	Explain how the different Bible translations were developed and why they were changed?
****	0	6	Describe the reasons for the iconoclast movement during the split between Rome and Byzantium (e.g., 3D statues verses 2D mosaics) and the later Protestant reformation and their destruction of Catholic Icons. Why were so many willing to risk their life over the interpretation of what a graven image might be? How has doctrine shifted in regards to the display of a Catholic crucifix over time to Protestant aclaim for the animated crucifix of "The Passion"?
@nid	0	6
****	0	8	Trace the history of Western music in the church from the Old Testament to the Baroque Era.
@asc	0	9	Select two related technologies and analyze their development (from 800 - 1450).
-	0	9	Select two related technologies and analyze their development (from 1450 - 2000).
****	0	10	Describe how archery has evolved over the centuries and the impact it has had on warfare.
***	0	13	Discuss the pervasiveness of animal sacrifice across so many cultures and times. What does this indicate about the human condition? What does this practice have to do with the crucifixion of Christ? (see: human sacrifices) @ac
****	0	13	Discuss the history of human sacrifice and cannibalism. (rated PG-13)
****	0	14	Examine how the control of viral diseases have impacted trade and migration (e.g., Polio, AIDS, SARS).
****	0	18	Describe the doctrine of apostolic succession and the establishment of human Tradition being equal to Scripture.
@jeg	0	20	What effect did the Reformation have on science, exploration and culture during its time period?
****	0	20	Explain how navigational technology (astrolabes, sextants, GPS, etc.) has developed within the context of expanding encounters.
*****	0	20	Trace the production and use of writing materials from ancient clay tablets, papyrus, hides, bones, quills… up to digital media. How is it that, "Heaven and earth shall pass away: but My words shall not pass away" (Luke 21:33)?
****	0	20	Describe how guns have evolved over the centuries and the impact they have had on warfare.
*****	0	20	Examine the obvious doctrinal changes of some key protestant denominations (E.g., Lutherans, Methodists, Baptists) starting from the Reformation up to today.
*****	0	20	Describe the development of mathematics.
@tw	0	20	Report on Atheists and the consequences of their doctrine, citing both Biblical and secular examples.
***	0	20	Discuss the changes in food, religion, or technology as two cultures (Japan and the USA) clash and trade.
****	0	22	Trace the origins of the concepts of individual liberties, private property, and representative government.
****	0	23	Describe reasons for increasing urbanization and explain some benefits and/or detriments resulting from the growth of cities.
@kan	0	23	Describe the impact that transportation has had on the environment since the Industrial Revolution
***	0	24	Describe changes in communication from the Gutenberg printing press to the high speed internet.
*****	0	24	Analyze the development of flight from 1450 - 2000.
****	0	24	Analyze the development of Radio and Television.
****	0	24	Report on spies and spy technology since the time Caleb and Joshua were sent by Moses.
*****	0	24	Explain the interaction of steam, electricity and communications in the growth of the Industrial Revolution.
@dap1	0	25	Discuss the influence that Christianity (via England from about 1600 to 1900) has had on legal systems. Among several others, mention Wilberforce on slavery and Britain's laws during their control of India.
*	0	25	Certain numbers are said to hold significance in the Bible. How has the emphasis on numerology changed over time?
****	0	25	How has the role of Christian women changed from the days of the Apostle Paul (e.g., 1 Cor. 14:34), to Roman Catholicism (e.g., "rule of thumb"), to certain Protestant groups who ordain women preachers? Has culture changed doctrine?
****	0	26	Beginning with Gideon’s trumpets, up through the Trojan Horse, and continuing through “Operation Fortitude” of WWII, describe some of the major deceptions, psychological-warfare, and propaganda techniques used in warfare.
****	0	26	In the West, how did the cause for “Just War” shift from Religion as being the only just cause for going to war, to Religion being the only unacceptable cause for going to war?
****	0	29	How did Socialism and Communism grow apart when they were once used interchangably?
@say2	0	29	How have philosophers and theologians explained the existence of evil since the Garden of Eden?
@brh2	0	29	Explain major changes in scientific theories since Galileo. How have sociological pressures impeded the advancement of science? Why does the scientific community behave religiously in their reluctance to toss out flawed ideology?
****	0	32	Explain how the history of tennis is related to world events. ha, ha, ha - rofl - lol
****	0	32	Look at entertainment within arena formats. Include Greek drama, Roman Coliseum sports, Mayan/Incan/Aztec field sports, the Olympics, World Cup soccer, and Superdome major leagues (baseball, football)... What is the common thread of sociology, mass psychology... that is so entertaining for spectators?
****	0	32	Discuss the origin and changes that have led to the modern celebration of Thanksgiving.
****	0	32	Discuss the origin and changes that have led to the modern celebration of Halloween.
****	0	32	Discuss the origin and changes that have led to the modern celebration of Christmas.
*****	0	32	Discuss the origin and changes that have led to the modern celebration of Easter. Include the historical importance of the calendar date.
****	0	32	Homosexuality was listed as a mental disorder by the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual until 1973 when sodomy advocates and lesbian organizations lobbied for de-listing. Report on other turning points towards the acceptance of homosexuality from ancient to modern times across cultures.
*@kae4	0	32	Trace the history of "the oldest profession" from the time of Genesis to current times. Look into it how various cultures have incorporated prostitution into religion and politics.
****	0	32	How have ideologies in western culture affected fashion and modesty since the 1950's?
*****	0	32	Trace the history of drug abuse and use.
****	0	32	How have various world governments manipulated fashions for political purposes over time?
-	0	32	Interview person over 70 years of age. (see interview)
****	0	32	Describe a Biblical worldview of communication problems and advances since the earliest records until today.
@as	0	33	Trace the influence of the United Nations from the idea of the League of Nations to today. (a glowing example)
*	0	33	Trace the history of personal wealth from pre-reformation papacy to the mega-ministries of today. What cultural factors of Christianity have allowed such abuse? Are there other religions whose leaders amass such wealth?
*	0	33	Trace the history of debt from the first bankers of Italy to today's consumer culture.
@cap	0	33	Describe how the international community has come to force its will upon noncompliant nations through economic sanctions.
@jot2	0	34	How have nations dealt with arms control since 1945? Are there significant differences between nations in gun control that may influence international disarmament agreements?
****	0	34	Compare terrorism as national policy from the time of the Assyrians to present day state sponsored terrorism (e.g., Sudan). What are the common causes and results? Is there a common religious thread that connects these abuses throughout history?
****	0	35	Trace the developement of Christian music starting with the Gregorian Chants to Contemporary Rock.
@kw	0	35	Describe Christian expectations for Christ's return during the first century, 1000AD, and 2000AD. What historical circumstances influenced those expectations?
****	0	35	Trace the history of gambling.
*****	0	35	Describe how childern's game play over the last 2000+ years has been a reflection of society and the technological advancement that have caused such changes.
@jes	0	35	Are political, religious and economic trends creating convergent stability or divergent problems towards one "global village"?
****	0	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)
@	1	3	Describe changes in politics, economics and religion in Egypt between the reign of Nefertiti and Cleopatra.
***	1	3	Describe the ancient Egypt religion until the Exodus. Describe the attributes of the characters: Amon-Re, Osiris, Set, Isis… and explain modifications to their religious pantheon over time.
*****	1	3	What is the origin and development of modern African language and writing?
@kae4	1	3	Describe the rise and fall of monotheism from Noah to Moses. Include other cultures that developed after Babel during that time period. Discuss polytheism as de-evolution.
-	1	4	The land of Egypt is frequently mentioned in the Bible. See what themes might exist from Joseph's enslavement through Assyrian attacks, Greeks... Romans... up to the the time when baby Jesus was in Egypt.
*	1	5	Why do the Palestinian Authority, and some other Arab governments and universities, teach that Jews never lived in Israel? Provide other examples of tahrifi-lafzi.
****	1	5	Trace the history of Egypt as mentioned in the Bible. Include other sources for additional historical context.
@lb	1	5	Trace the spread of major language groups and the development of writing in Africa.
****	1	6	Describe Christian evangelism of the first three centuries in the Mediterranean region and Asia. Was it a result of persecution?
@jsw	1	6	How did Christianity change from a Jewish sect to a gentile religion? Why was it attractive yet repulsive to the Romans?
*	1	6	Describe the Jewish return to Israel following the diaspora of 70 AD.
-	1	8	Describe the changes made in and around the Hagia Sophia from the Reign of Justinian to the death of Mustafa Kemal. Why did these political and architectural changes take place? Include mosaics and iconoclasm in the discussion.
****	1	11	Of the 114 “suras” in the Koran, the “Medinan” verses follow and nullify several of the “Meccan” former verses as Mohammed taught over the course of fleeing (Hejira) from Mecca to Medina. Describe the causes and effects of the hejira in 622 AD
****	1	11	Describe the origin and changes to the Kaaba that enshrines the sacred black meteorite rock in Mecca. How did the moon god win out over other contenders? What is the status of the Kaaba today?
****	1	12	The land of Egypt is frequently mentioned in the Bible. How has Egypt changed over time since the birth of Jesus?
****	1	12	Trace the history of Christianity in Ethiopia from the time of Kush. Include incursions of Islam, and political independence from Imperialism.
@at	1	16	Report on regional recovery after the abuses of King Leopold in the Belgian Congo.
@cn	1	16	How did slavery in Africa change after the demands from European colonial powers?
****	1	17	How did the pros and cons of Imperialism effect Africans from the 16th to 18th century?
****	1	17	Trace the history of Jerusalem from Rome through the reestablishment of Israel as a nation.
***	1	19	Describe the Portuguese Influence on West Africa.
@cad1	1	19	The land of Egypt is frequently mentioned in the Bible. See what themes might exist from the time when the world's most wanted fugitive baby was in Egypt through Islamic armies, Catholic Crusades, and up through different controllers of the Suez Canal
*	1	26	The land of Iraq is mentioned in the Bible second in frequency only to the land of Israel. How has Iraq changed over time?
*****	1	26	How did various changes in the Ottoman Empire lead to its eventual demise?
@chc2	1	30	Trace the history of Jerusalem. Based on that history, who has the most legitimate claim to the land now?
@	1	30	Write an overview of the history of the Middle East (like the one done for Europe).
-	1	30	Describe the US policy toward influencing African nations away from Marxist ideologies in the 20th century? Although most activity happened between 1945 and 1990, include a few examples outside of the Cold War.
****	1	31	How was the oppression of slavery and colonization turned to the freedom of Christ in Africa?
***	1	33	Discuss how the discovery of oil has affected the social, political, and economic changes during the last 200 years of Middle Eastern Islamic culture. (see essay's source code for revision hints)
@ms	1	34	Describe the development of Israel after 1948 to present in relation to Arab nations and Palestine.
*	1	34	Provide a summary of the history of Sudanese demographics. Discuss the impact of the Islamic government’s Sharia law from 1983 to today as they declared Holy Jihad against the non-Muslims of Sudan.
****	1	34	Describe the world events leading up to the creation of the Israeli nation in 1948. Analyze the effect of British colonialism, Zionism, the Holocaust, and UN partition.
@asm4	2	3	How and why did the Romans adopt the Greek pantheon of deities and why did the theological structure eventually collapse?
***	2	4	Describe the causes, events, and effects of the Peloponnesian War.
****	2	4	Identify the events that led to the conversion of the Roman Republic to the Roman Empire.
****	2	5	Describe the onset of a few Roman Catholic doctrines and describe the modifications made by Papal authority and tradition.
****	2	6	Describe the political situation in Judea from 400 BC to 100 AD. What effect did Greek philosophy, Hellenism and Roman policies have on religious freedom?
*****	2	6	Describe why Greek Mythology became part of the Roman Pantheon and the influence that has on modern culture.
*	2	6	Trace the Spanish Inquisition from its roots to modern day manifestations.
*****	2	7	Explain the loss of power of the King through the Magna Carta and the creation of in England's Parliament.
-	2	8	Describe the situation before and after the monks, Cyril and Methodius, converted the Slavs to Christianity and invented the Slavic (Cyrillic) alphabet during the 9th century. What was the impact of their commitment?
*****	2	8	Describe the situation before and after, Vladimir, the Russian Slavic prince of Kiev converted his state to the Byzantine form of Christianity - later Russian Orthodox. What was the impact of his commitment?
****	2	8	Explain the causes and effects of the Protestant Reformation and counter-Reformation of the Roman Catholic Church.
****	2	8	Dicuss the changes in the implementation and doctrines of Roman Catholic indulgences.
****	2	8	Discuss the evolution of pilgrimage in the middle ages.
****	2	8	Trace the development from superstition to the Scientific Revolution. Describe the advances scientists made in astronomy, physics and anatomy.
****	2	9	As power balance swung between popes and kings, evaluate the advance and decline of Christianity from 313 AD to 1559 AD.
***	2	10	Why were castles were first built? Describe their purpose and design changes while they were used, and what led to them becoming obsolete?
*****	2	11	Explain France's relationship with Islam from 732 AD to the 21 Century.
****	2	14	Trace the path of the Black Plague along the trade routes from east to west. Analyze the social, religious and economic impact.
****	2	15	Trace the history of Kyrgyzstan from before Christ to current times.
@alh	2	16	How has "The Great Commission" influenced exploration, colonization, and the spread of free democracy?
*****	2	18	Describe the evolution of the tribe of Franks to the feudal state of France following the collapse of the Roman frontier in Gaul.
****	2	20	Explain the reformation movement centering on John Wycliffe, John Huss, and Martin Luther.
@clb2	2	20	Describe changes made in Roman Catholic doctrine (e.g. nepotism, simony...) over time with a particular focus on the “Council of Trent” (1545-1563)
***	2	20	Provide a historical overview of the rise and decline of the Jesuits.
****	2	20	How did monasteries and universities develop?
*****	2	21	Describe the situation before and after Vladimir, the Russian Slavic prince of Kiev converted his state to the Byzantine form of Christianity - later Russian Orthodox. What was the impact of his commitment? Also describe the state’s influence on the Church.
****	2	22	Describe the rise and fall of the British colonial Empire.
****	2	22	Explain how Enlightenment ideals in the late 18th century developed into the Nationalism of the late 19th century.
@ap	2	23	How did gender roles change prior to and following the Industrial Revolutions in Japan and Brittany?
***	2	24	Describe the impact of the Industrial Revolution in Prussia.
@yas	2	24	How did the Industrial Revolution affect Agriculture and the demographics of the urban and rural areas?
@chn	2	25	Describe how interdependent technological innovations led to the Industrial Revolution.
-	2	29	Trace the Protestant Church in Germany from Luther through reunification during the fallout of the USSR. How did religion influence politics, nationalism, and war?
*****	2	30	Describe the battle techniques and weapons of WWI. Focus on cause and effect.
****	2	30	Determine the important battles of WWII and evaluate their long term significance.
****	2	30	Describe the impact of the breakup of the Soviet Union upon Uzbekistan.
****	2	31	Describe the impact of the breakup of the Soviet Union to form emerging Central Asian countries.
****	2	31	Describe changes in Russian government beginning with Czar Nicholas II to the Bolsheviks under Lenin and then Stalin.
****	2	32	Discuss the origins of the Olympic games in Ancient Greece and how they have evolved into the modern games participated in today.@as
****	2	34	Describe the impact of the breakup of the Soviet Union to form emerging Eastern European countries.
@des	3	3	How did the Upanishads reflect the blending of Aryan and Dravidian values? What is the relationship between them and the social order of Vedic age India?
****	3	3	Describe the caste system in India and trace its effects from origin to Nov. 3, 2001
@cah	3	6	Describe religious toleration in Hindu India from the birth of Buddha through the incursion of Islam and the growth of Christianity following British colonialism.
@ap	3	6	Describe how Chinese culture has been influenced by Buddhism.
*****	3	10	Describe how the Zhou Dynasty came into power, their contributions, and the effect that they had on the successive power.
***	3	10	Describe how the Tang Dynasty came into power, their contributions, and the effect that they had on the successive power.
*****	3	10	Describe how the Sung Dynasty came into power, their contributions, and the effect that they had on the successive power.
@mes	3	11	Describe the rise and fall of Muslim invasions and Empires in India from 712 to 1858.
@des	3	22	Explain changes of Pacific Rim trade from Captian James Cook to Commodore Matthew Perry.
*****	3	24	How has rice production and other agriculture helped change the population of China, India and the rest of Asia over the last 300 years?
****	3	25	How has the role of women in China change from the beginnings of foot binding through the rise of communism?
@cah5	3	26	How has China suppressed religious uprisings from the Quin Dynasty to present times in order to protect their status quo.
@cs	3	26	Analyze the changes China experienced during the 20th century in contrast with "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness".
*****	3	30	What forces led to the creation of Tibet and Mongolia? How volatile are those borders today? Why?
*****	3	30	Describe changes to the economy of Kazakhstan since the collapse of the USSR.
****	3	30	Describe the causes and outcomes of the partition of India to create Pakistan. What forces led to the establishment Bangladesh? How volatile are those borders today? Why?
****	3	30	Trace the Japanese interests, occupation of, and departure from the island chain of the Philippines and the reaction of the Philippinos.
****	3	30	Write on the USA - North Korean relations since the end of the Korean War. Also mention relations N. Korea has had with the former USSR, China, Japan, and of course S. Korea.
****	3	30	How did the USA become engaged in Vietnam and what were the results of that effort?
*****	3	30	What caused the differences between North and South Korea?
@jac2	3	30	Trace the Japanese interests, occupation of, and departure from the island chain of the Philippines.
@elh2	3	31	Describe the path to and from the Vietnam War. Mention French Colonialism, Catholicism, and Containment. See the BIO on Ho Chi Minh. Focus on policy more than details of implementation. Mention major participants, e.g., Ike, McNamera, JFK, LBJ, Nixon, and events, e.g., Tet Offensive, Rolling Thunder, protest movements and the media, … political philosophies and religion.
****	3	34	How have China's economic policies changed over the last century, and what were their effects?
*****	4	6	Describe the culture, rise, and fall of the Inca Empire. How did the Chimú culture influence the Inca Empire?
@	4	6	How did the Chavin cult influence ancient Andean society? Describe Inca social classes and the lack of merchants.
@amp	4	13	Describe how the Aztec deities evolved over time to meet the political needs of the priests and kings.
****	4	13	Describe how the Inca deities evolved over time to meet the political needs of the priests and kings.
@nas4	4	16	Describe the positive and negative affects of Jesuit (and other Roman Catholic orders) missions in South America.
*****	4	16	How did the lives of the Telaxicans change from paying tribute to the Aztecs and later to the Spanish? Describe the Encomienda system. Explain the evolution of encomiendas to plantations and haciendas from the 16th to the 19th century in the Caribbean and Central America. What influence did this have on the Americas?
****	4	20	Trace the social changes related to Puritanism in New England between the first religiously separatist and then puritan settlers from England to the gradual fading of the puritan movement
*****	4	20	Trace the reactions of Germany’s Protestant church to events ranging from the “Peasant Wars” during the time of Luther up through Hitler’s Nazi war machine.
****	4	20	Describe the encroachment of public education from the time of the “Concordat of Lycees” to the “No Child Left Behind” act.
****	4	23	Explain the influence of the potato from the Andean indians to the migration of the Irish to the USA. (book: "Seeds of Change")
****	4	24	How has the status of the black inventor in America evolved from the slave era up until today?
*****	4	25	Trace the history of Panama from Balboa to the end of the USA lease on the canal.
****	4	25	Describe the impact of the institution of slavery upon the US Civil War. Mention Haitian emancipation, the 13th Amendment, abolitionists, and black soldiers.
@gb	4	25	Explain how changes in the idea of personal freedom led to the US Civil War. Use the rise and fall of Slavery on Haiti at the center of your analysis.
*****	4	26	Explain the movement away from Jeffersonian Republican ideals to the strong Federalist government seen in the United States today.
****	4	26	Explore the initial attitudes of the Spanish and the Indians in present-day Bolivia to each other, and trace the change in that relationship and its causes to the present time.
****	4	27	Describe the moral, political, and social ideology of the USA before and after their Civil War.
****	4	29	Explain how Karl Marx was influenced by Charles Darwin in the formation of scientific socialism. How did Social Darwinism play out China?
*****	4	29	Explain how Karl Marx was influenced by Charles Darwin in the formation of scientific socialism. How did Social Darwinism play out Cuba?
****	4	29	Describe USA economic cause and effect from the "Roaring Twenties" to the "Great Depression" and the "New Deal".
****	4	30	Describe US – Cuban relations from the Cold War to present.
****	4	30	List and explain 6 – 10 US interventions into Central America in the 20th century.
**	4	32	Explain the impact that the automobile has had on world sociology and economy.
*****	4	32	Describe the change which has come about in America, from its founding on Biblical Christian principles to turning points of moral and spiritual decline.
@asg4	4	32	How have America's beliefs acceptance of macro-evolution effected laws, morality, and policies?
@	4	33	Describe Canada - US relations starting at the War of 1812.
**	4	34	Have shifts in the election process been better or worse for nations?
@cp	4	34	Describe the events of the cold war. Was detente an effective deterrent?
*	4	35	Upon what authority does morality exist for the US judicial system?
*	4	35	The Bible contains prophesies about the end of the world. Could these prophesies explain events that have already been fulfilled long ago?

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