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Religious Studies 014:  Introduction to Judaism, Christianity and Islam
Quiz/Test 3 (Spring 1994, Carol Scheppard)

Over the course of the past six weeks we have been examining, 
among other things, the development of scholarship in the Middle 
Ages.  We have discussed the influence of Greek philosophers, the 
importance of rationalist thinkers and those who oppose them, the 
role of the mystics, and the impact of Jewish, Christian and 
Islamic scholars on one another.  Construct an essay reviewing 
these developments.  In the course of your essay, be sure to 
address the following issues:  

a.  the rise of the Islamic "Golden Age" and its impact on the 
Christian and Jewish communities. 

b.  the spread of Aristotelian philosophy throughout the 
Mediterranean World.  Be sure to identify AT LEAST one of the 
"prime movers"  within each of the three traditions and the 
contributions each made to the spread of Aristotelian ideas. 

c.  the name of at least one mystical group from each tradition 
and the role these groups played in the rationalist debates.  Be 
sure to explain what makes each group "mystical" and how this 
impacts on rationalist thinking. 

In addition, choose ONE of the questions below and include its 
answer in your essay as well. 

Option 1:  Explain the perspectives of Plato and Aristotle as to 
what constitutes what is "really real," and the different 
understandings of God these notions engender. 

Option 2:  Who were the Karaites, what were their views and what 
role did they play in the spread of rationalist thinking? 

Option 3:  Name the four Sunni law schools.  What role did they 
play in the development of the hadith and how did they use the 
hadith in the rationalist debates?