Description
Although there are numerous attributes one could argue are necessary to creating a “civilization,” having some form of representative written language seems to be a common and arguably essential aspect. Written language allows for the codification of thought. By doing so, it creates a singular, objective, and shared experience of the world. There becomes an official “right” and “wrong” which can be enforced over large and diverse areas and is (arguably) not open to interpretation; In the ancient world, this stabilization of thought solidified power and perpetuated ideas in a permanent format.
In our exploration of Hammurabi’s 282 laws, we can detect the values of Babylonian culture under the rule of Hammurabi. We get a sense of what was important to the various empires of Mesopotamia by discovering what they were compelled to protect through “official” written laws that were applicable and enforced throughout the growing Babylonian Empire.
For our Reflection this week, take some time to digest Hammurabi’s code and then analyze it with an eye towards our own contemporary view of government and written law. After reading through the code, select two laws you believe are still relevant today, and possibly even still enforced in some fashion. What is the spirit of these laws? What do they protect and what do they teach us about the Babylonians? What was important to them? What did the Babylonians value?
Do not focus on the punishment for breaking each law, as it was often death. Instead focus your attention on what was being protected: Family? Property? Personal freedom? the Environment? Pets?
Required Quotations / Citations: You must cite Hammurabi’s code primary source ( PDF posted in Canvas)
Important Notice: Your goal with Reflection Essays is to demonstrate that you have completed the assigned readings, videos, and other materials for the week and have attempted to understand and reflect on the material. To accomplish this, be sure to offer analysis rather than merely summary. It is also very important to include specific quotations and examples from the assigned materials, including the textbook, to support your ideas. Be sure to include detailed citations to identify where the information came from. When discussing the material, it is important to identify where your supporting evidence comes from by citing the names of assigned articles and videos and providing page numbers for information from the textbook. It is also best to use direct quotations from the assigned materials whenever possible. Citations should include page number whenever possible and timestamps for video sources.
Since Reflection questions are meant to explore your personal interactions with the assigned materials, no outside materials are allowed (or necessary). This is not a research assignment. This means you are not to use the internet at all. Do not simply google the question and copy what comes up. If any sources are used beyond those that are assigned and provided, significant points will be deducted.
Weekly reflection responses must reach a minimum of 500 words and should present clear analysis supported by specific examples from the assigned materials themselves. Since this is a Gordon Rule course, it is required to demonstrate college-level writing skills; therefore, grammar, sentence structure, and word choice will also be a factor in grading. Reflection responses should be in MLA format including a works cited page and citations in the text of the response itself which identifies where each source was used. This includes material that is quoted directly and material that is summarized in one’s own word (direct quotes are preferred).
https://avalon.law.yale.edu/ancient/hamframe.asp