Question # 1 : What is "modernization"? The text here suggests that peoples and states in other parts of the world might not be able -- or necessarily wish -- to follow the model of modernization that Europeans and North Americans have undergone. Why might that be the case? Do you agree or disagree? What do you think: Are there any tendencies or "laws" of historical development that might apply to peoples and states everywhere?

Question # 2 :  Europe's amazing development since 1500 from a virtual backwater of world civilization to worldwide dominance, at least for the past couple of centuries, far from being historically inevitable, seems to have been the result instead of the accidental coming together of various factors. Explain what these factors were according to the text. How would you rank these factors in terms of their importance? Why? From what you know, do you think that another part of the world could have emerged as dominant instead? How?

Andrea & Overfield (Read the "Prologue" thoroughly and answer the questions about each of the two primary sources. For the next set of readings (separated by a horizontal rule), pick one of the texts to read and analyze. Write short responses to each one of the accompanying questions. Then formulate an appropriate journal question of your own and write a 5-10 minute essay in your journal.)

1. Martin Luther, Table Talk

2. Lucas Cranach the Younger, Two Kinds of Preaching and Matthias Gerung, The Chariot of the Pope and the Turk

3. Decrees of the Council of Trent

4. John Mayer, A Pattern for Women

5. Anton Woensam, Allegory of a Wise Woman and Erhard Schon, No More Precious Treasure is on the Earth than a Gentle Wife who Longs for Honor

6. Nuremberg Ordinances concerning Midwives