Global Military History Semester Exam Guide (Fall 2013)

“A general should never have to say ‘I did not expect it.’”

                                    --Emperor Maurice, The Strategikon

Exam Date/Time:  Tuesday, December 17th, from 1:30-3:30

What will the exam cover?

All of the content/readings from the introductory unit of the course and all content from our study of Ancient and Classical Warfare from the Assyrians to the end of the Roman Empire as well as the beginnings of the early Middle Ages.

What is the format of the exam?

The exam will consist of two parts.

Part I:  Essay; time:  60 minutes

Your grade will be based on your response to TWO essay questions.  Each question will be worth 25% of your total exam grade.  You will have choice in the questions that you answer (there will be a total of 5-6 essay questions to choose from).  You should plan to spend about 30 minutes on each question (reading it, thinking about it, brainstorming, and writing your response).

What kinds of essay questions will there be?

• The essay questions will obviously relate to the course material, and may include the following:

·         Comparing different military systems or aspects of systems

·         Discussing and analyzing specific aspects of a military system, such as weapons, organization, or leadership

·         Applying theoretical concepts to historical examples (such as tactics, strategy, culture, etc.)

·         Discussing, explaining, and analyzing specific military events (battles, campaigns, wars)

What's an effective answer?

An effective answer is one that:

• Is well thought out and organized.
• Incorporates substantial, relevant, accurate, and specific historical evidence as support for the response.
• Answers all parts of the question.

Points earned by each essay (up to 25) will reflect the extent that the above criteria are met.

Part 2:  Hands-On; time:  60 minutes

This portion of the exam (worth 50% of the total exam grade) will be based on a variety of hands-on, physical, and group activities based on the skills we've been focusing on throughout the year.  You will have the opportunity for additional practice of these skills prior to the exam itself.

You should be able to demonstrate the following sword techniques (if there is a "right" and "left" version of the technique then you should know both):

• Fumtag
• Middle guard
• Low guard
• High guard
• Hanging guard
• Window guard
• Flank guard
• Tail guard
• Cutting lines (vertical, horizontal, diagonal)
• Basic thrust
• Compass pass
• Moulinet
• Pommel-strike

How should I study?

While there is no “one way” to effectively study, here are some suggestions:

• Review the study guides I prepared for you for each of the tests you have taken this semester (they may all be found on the blog).  Use these guides to break down the material as well as to provide an overall structure.
• Try to anticipate questions—make up your own and then answer them.
• Finally:  give yourself time and do not try to study everything all at once.
• Practice sword work at home using a yardstick, etc.