Explain and evaluate the impact nomadic migrations had on Europe, China, and India. What challenges did they cause for established societies? What contributions did nomadic groups make to world societies and world history? You should discuss the Germanic Franks (including the Carolingians) and Central Asians (Turks and Mongols) in your response. Be specific! Be sure to use evidence from class and primary and secondary sources to support and justify your points.

Compare and contrast the Jesus Movement/early Christianity and early Islam. How and why did these two belief systems begin? Upon what earlier religious ideas did Jesus and Muhammad draw? What new religious ideas did they formulate? How were Jesus and Muhammad received and treated by their respective societies? How and why did these two religions spread outside of the Middle East and gain converts (include the Roman Empire in your discussion of Christianity and India and Africa in your discussion if Islam), when and where they are relevant)? Be sure to use evidence from class and primary and secondary sources to support and justify your points.

Explain and evaluate the positive and negative effects of trade on world history. First, discuss the intellectual and cultural exchanges that occurred between societies in both the eastern and western worlds because of trading contacts. Second, discuss the negative effects, like the spread of disease, violence, and imperialism, that trading contacts brought. In what ways did trade permanently transform the world? Be specific! You should use evidence from Europe, the Swahili city-states, West Africa, and the Americas. Be sure to use evidence from class and primary and secondary sources to support and justify your points.

Explain and evaluate the historical importance of Carolingian, Islamic, and Twelfth-Century Renaissances (NOT Italian!). What factors allowed these periods of cultural and intellectual flowering to occur? Who were some of the important figures in these movements? What major intellectual and artistic revivals and innovations took place during these periods of renaissance? Why are they important historical events in world history?