For this discussion you will write a response of 200-250 words to one of the topics listed below.

For this discussion you will write a response of 200-250 words to one of the topics listed below. Your short essay should include evidence of familiarity with the assigned readings in addition to your personal reflections on the topic. Your writing must be well organized and contain correct grammar, spelling and sentence structure. You will not need to perform outside research to write this reflection; after viewing the chapter module and completing the assigned reading for the week, respond thoughtfully with your reasoned and measured opinion, using the chapter materials as context.

Prompt 1

The Epic of Gilgamesh is preserved on clay tablets that are thousands of years old. Although some of these tablets are well preserved, others are broken in many places, resulting in gaps in the text. Depending on which translation you're reading, the translator may try to smooth over these gaps by pretending they don't exist, or he or she may call attention to them by sticking in question marks, brackets, dots, or italicized text. If you were translating the poem, which approach would you use? Why?

Prompt 2

Compare and contrast the artistic styles of the Sumerians and Akkadians. What do these differences in style and theme tell us about each culture?

Prompt 3

Can you think of any advantages to be gained from having laws written down? Disadvantages? Does written law ensure fairness and consistency? Even in a largely illiterate society such as Babylon?