1. Compare and contrast neoplatonism and humanism. First, discuss three basic similarities and differences for each philosophy. Second, discuss at least one person who helped define the basis of each philosophy and how. Third, explain how each philosophy related to the common man's experience, understanding, or education in this period. Last, what elements of neoplatonism and humanism still exist today, and how? Provide an example for each.

2. The papacy (Pope and his advisory cardinals) experienced particularly difficult times during the 1400s and 1500s. First, explain the indulgence controversy. Second, discuss three examples of theological challenges (differences in doctrine, dogma, practices, etc.) that arose against the Catholic Church and its leadership during the Reformation. Last, discuss the Counter Reformation, its importance to the papacy and Catholicism, and how it affected this age of religious upheaval--use specific examples of persons, events, or ideas that contributed to the Catholic revival.

3. The Renaissance saw the development of city-states throughout Europe yet the most vibrant were those in Italy. Compare and contrast the development of three of these Italian city-states from the late 1300s through the 1500s: Florence, Genoa, Milan, Naples, Papal States, Rome, or Venice. For each city-state, be sure to discuss the formation of its politics, society, and commerce, using specific examples. Overall, which of your three choices had achieved the greatest success by the 1500s and which of your three choices was declining by the 1500s, and why?

4. Evaluate the contributions of female leaders during the Renaissance period and the rise of the nation-state. First, discuss the background of Isabella of Castile. Who was she? What were her qualifications? How did she contribute to the development of Spain? (what she did, who helped, results, etc.) Second, compare and contrast two other female leaders of this age to Isabella--for each one, make sure to identify who she was, what her qualifications were, and how she contributed the rise of her nation-state/country (what she did, who helped, results, etc.). Last, in your opinion, what were the most important factors overall that allowed for the presence of these powerful women in political life during an age that marginalized women, and why?

5. Consider the effects of exploration in Western Civilization. First, discuss three motivations (attractions, reasons, etc.) for the sponsored exploration of the 1400s and 1500s. Give specific examples. Second, using at least one example for each, discuss the impact of exploration on each of the following areas: political power, commerce (including trade, manufacturing, and banking), and daily consumption (including foods, goods, etc.). Last, in your opinion, how did exploration and discovery affect the perceptions of people in Western Civilization?