Module 2 Online Assignment 1: Hammurabi’s Code

Purpose:  The purpose of this assignment is to look at primary sources, the stuff that history is made of. You will also consider the society of ancient Mesopotamia as viewed through an ancient legal code.

Task: First, read the short chapter Hammurabi’s Code, especially the list of various laws.  Peek at the questions below so you’ll have an idea of what you’re looking for. Second, now that you’ve read over Hammurabi’s Code, answer the following question (consider all parts in your response):

• Use the laws, punishments, and restitutions in Hammurabi’s Code to describe and analyze the society and culture of ancient Babylon.  What does the law tell us about class and social rank (including servitude), property ownership, differences between men and women, the family, and religion?

As you answer all these questions, be sure to cite the source of your information.  In this assignment, it’s sufficient to just include the law number in parentheses (although historians don’t normally use MLA style, it’s fine here).  Third, type your answer and submit the file below (in .doc, .docx, or .pdf format).  Click on “Add File” and attach your file. It’s similar to attaching a file to an email.  You must press the blue “Submit” button to submit your work.  If you have any trouble with this let your professor know immediately!

Criteria for Success: Submit your answer in 250 to 400 words.  Your responses should be well written (correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, and organized using paragraphs).

• Poor submissions will only answer some of the questions or only part of a question, be less than 250 words, and contain “googled” information that does not come from the reading (terrible submissions will be copied and pasted from the Internet, and be given a zero for violating the Academic Honesty Policy). Poor submissions will receive 1–3 points
• Good submissions will answer all of the questions with brief, generic responses.  Good responses will receive 4–7 points.
• Excellent submissions will answer all the questions and every part of the question while containing expanded analysis and elaboration of your thoughts with supporting evidence and examples cited from the reading, either as brief quotations or paraphrases. Excellent submissions will receive 8–10 points.