1. Discuss the development of the Persian Empire and the dynasties that ruled it for a thousand years, noting important rulers and advances. How did the empire's size lead to administrative changes to allow for a successful central government? Explain. Discuss the impact of war, the economy, and other matters on its society.
2. Why might it be said that Persia represents a bridge between the ancient Mesopotamian and Egyptian past and the Greek Hellenistic future? Explain this, citing examples, concentrating on events until the appearance of the Parthian Empire (which became the main organized state competitor to the Hellenized Roman Empire).
3. How did the Period of the Warring States give way to the unification of China under the Qin (Ch'in) and Han Dynasties? Explain the rise and sudden collapse of the Qin Empire? What happened? How did the Han institutionalize Qin practices and avoid its overreaches? Explain. How do the Xiongnu and other steppe nomads affect China and its stability? Discuss.
4. Why is order so important to China and the people living there? Discuss in the context of the politics and the state, the family and society, and the roles of individuals there. Why might it be said that the state is the family writ large in Chinese society? Explain.
5. Why is it said that the Persian and Greek imperial efforts assisted in the development of Indian political organization in the classical period? Explain, citing examples. How did the Mauryan and Gauptan states develop? Who and what was done? Explain.
6. How did Jainism, Buddhism, and Hinduism develop in classical Indian society? Explain the persons, ideas, and works behind these. How did they affect Indian society and its development.
7. Questions of religious salvation seem to have come into focus starting in the sixth century B.C. (BCE) in Persia and India. Who was involved and what religions originated in this period? Compare and contrast these. How did state or political power help or hinder the expansion of these religions? Explain.
8. Unlike developments in Persia and India, no salvation-oriented religions developed in China during the classical period, but significant ethical, moral, social, and political doctrines that would dominate until the 20th century did. Compare and contrast the following: Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism. Discuss the impact on Chinese society of these ideas.
9. Can we compare political, social, and religious developments in the classical period (500 B.C. (BCE) to 500 A.D. (CE) in the Fertile Crescent, India, and China with previous civilizations and societies we have examined. What striking or standout contrasts and comparisons can be made? Discuss.
10. After answering one of the questions above, are there any other issues or questions you would like to your colleagues to consider. Please post here and discuss.