You are required to respond to the first question below:
1) According to “Garsoïan’s Law,” Armenia’s geographical position on a plateau astride East and West, at a point of articulation between Greco-Roman (“Western”) and Iranian (“Eastern”) civilizations has enriched Armenian culture and history through cultural “flows” and influences from either direction. Describe and analyze the centrality of this “law” in Garsoïan’s work and highlight Armenia’s dual cultural heritage by referring to her chapters in volume one of The Armenian People from Ancient to Modern Times. Your response should 1) begin with a general discussion of what “Garsoïan’s law” is, 2) provide examples of both Greco-Roman and Iranian influences in ancient Armenian history as discussed by Garsoïan, and 3) explain why, if at all,“Garsoïan’s Law” is a helpful way of understanding Armenian history. You should draw your information from at least the following readings by Garsoïan: “The Emergence of Armenia,” “The Aršakuni Dynasty,” “Armenia, History of,” in Dictionary of the Middle Ages, vol. 1. In addition, your response should also incorporatethe relevant chapters of Bournoutian’s textbook as well as the classroom presentation/discussion.
Respond to one of the following two questions:
2) Armenia’s conversion to Christianity in the early years of the fourth century C.E. has been described by most historians of Armenia as one of the most significant events in the history of the Armenian people. Describe and analyze this event and address the following issues: 1) Why was Christianization so pivotal for the formation of Armenian identity and history, and2) Why do historians continue to provide conflicting interpretations of when Christianization in Armenia occurred. Your response must draw information from Garsoïan’s “The Aršakuni Dynasty,” Hewsen’s and Young’s essays on Armenia’s conversion as well as Bournoutian’s textbook. For bonus points you should include in your discussion a brief account of how the conversion to Christianity is recounted in Agathangelos’s History of the Armenians.
3) Discuss and analyze the nature and role of Arshakuni Armenia’s “Nakharar System.” Make sure to incorporate in your response, 1) the origins of this system, and 2) why a proper understanding of it is important for an appreciation of Armenian history. Draw your information from the relevant readings from week four.
Instructions:
➢ Remember to think historically – always take into account historical context, specificity, and significance. Avoid generalizations and blanket statements that possess little historical value, meaning, or accuracy.
➢ Essays must have clearly stated introduction, thesis statement, and arguments/analysis/discussion supported with relevant references and bibliography.
➢ Essays must be clearly structured and analytical, noting all relevant points and supporting your thesis with evidence and examples, that is, relevant dates, figures, places, events.
➢ The questions above are fairly straightforward yet require thought, analysis, and synthesis.
➢ Appropriate responses to the questions require the following:
▪ having command of the topic, meaning facts/evidence and essential issues;
▪ selectively and at times creatively choosing examples from a variety of possibilities;
▪ combining the particular and separate pieces of evidence into a coherent whole;
▪ presenting that whole in a well-organized and grammatically correct essay that has a clear thesis, cogent analysis, and adequate evidence.
▪ The essays must draw from all relevant readings, lectures, and discussions. It is imperative that you demonstrate understanding of and ability to incorporate readings assigned and discussed in class. That means bringing them into your response by direct reference and discussion whenever relevant. Failure to do successfully incorporate all relevant readings will be detrimental to your grade on this assignment. if you need further clarification, please ask.
IV. Format
• Two essays, each between two to three pages. Total number of pages must not exceed 4 or 5 pages. Do not forget to Paginate! Do not count the title page. Also, while the first page is counted, it is not numbered. Typed, doublespaced, 12-point font, one-inch margins, and black ink.
• On the title page or first page, include the following: Your name, date (or semester), course number, and my name.
• Before each essay, include the essay question or number.
• Use the past tense. Do not use the present or subjunctive mood for the conditional, i.e., do not use “would.” It happened – it is in the past – use the past tense.
IV. Evaluation
The paper will be evaluated on the following criteria:
▪ Quality of insights/material presented
▪ Clear demonstration of effort
▪ Quality of writing, including clarity and elegance
▪ Organization
▪ Use of specific examples to support points
▪ Following instructions
▪ Accuracy of citations
