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Topic: Introduction and Themes

Due: Sun Feb 2

Prompt: How do you approach understanding history?

Consider the following quote from the character William of Baskerville in Umberto Eco’s The Name of the Rose:

“Books are not made to be believed, but to be subjected to inquiry. When we consider a book, we mustn’t ask ourselves what it says but what it means.”

For your online response this week, write a post that includes the following:

  • What interests you about history?
  • What kinds of things get in the way of understanding history—particularly ancient history?
  • What strikes you as most important about ancient cultures and how they influence us?
  • What would you like to find out more about?

Responses for Week 1