Essay Problem
What shaped Western culture in the period 1300 to 1550 more: the Black Death's emphasis on the afterlife (the hereafter) or the Renaissance's emphasis on human achievement (the here and now)? Choose one of these and explain your perspective.
Start with a statement identifying your choice; this is your thesis. Then, support your choice with specific examples from at least three of the following categories:
1) Significant individuals (e.g., political or religious leaders, innovators, explorers);
2) Characteristics of worldview (e.g., philosophy, religion);
3) Social institutions (e.g., social mores, practices, hierarchies);
4) Patronage (discuss the patrons, their motives, influence, and resulting products or artifacts);
5) The economies (e.g., changes, different economic systems, impact); and
6) Politics (e.g., forms of governance, power distributions, contests).
The response must include a reference list. Using one-inch margins, double-space, Times New Roman 12 pnt font and APA style of writing and citations.