Read Perry Sources Chapter 7 Sections 5-8

Read Perry, Sources, Chapter 7, Sections 5-8

Read Perry, Sources, Chapter 7, Sections 5-8 and post an answer to one of the questions raised at the end of the readings. Also make one comment on another student's post.

Visit the Wikipedia article on Hagia Sophia. As you read through the site, notice the many illustrations on the page. Click on the tourist's guide to Hagia Sophia and do the same. Then post a comment on what you have seen and learned.

Paper For Above instruction

The assignment involves a detailed exploration of Perry's Sources, Chapter 7, Sections 5-8, followed by engaging with a discussion through posting an answer to a specific question raised at the end of the readings. The purpose of this task is to deepen understanding of the historical and cultural contexts presented in the chapter, as well as to foster analytical thinking and communication skills. Furthermore, the assignment extends to online research and reflection through examining the Wikipedia article about Hagia Sophia, a monument of great architectural and historical significance built by Emperor Justinian on the site of Constantine the Great's church in Constantinople.

Starting with Perry's Sources, Chapter 7, Sections 5-8, students are expected to critically reflect on the thematic elements discussed within these sections. The end-of-chapter questions are designed to prompt analytical responses about the historical periods, cultural shifts, architectural achievements, and the religious transformations associated with these sections. Selecting one question to answer allows students to engage specifically with the material and demonstrate comprehension and critical thinking skills. When responding, students should cite examples from the text, incorporate contextual knowledge, and develop a coherent argument that addresses the question comprehensively.

In addition to textual analysis, students are asked to comment on a peer's post, fostering a collaborative learning environment where ideas are exchanged and debated. This practice encourages active engagement and helps cultivate a broader understanding of different perspectives related to the readings.

The second part of the assignment involves visiting the Wikipedia page on Hagia Sophia, an iconic symbol of Byzantine architecture and religious history. The article includes numerous images illustrating the basilica's architectural features, interior and exterior views, and restoration efforts. Students are directed to pay close attention to these visual aids, as they enhance comprehension of the structure's grandeur and technological innovation of the time.

Further, by accessing the tourist's guide linked in the Wikipedia article, students gain a more immersive understanding of the monument's significance, visitor experience, and its transformation over centuries from a cathedral to a mosque, and now a museum. Reflecting on what was learned from these visual and textual sources allows students to appreciate the cultural, religious, and historical layers embedded in Hagia Sophia.

This combination of textual analysis and visual learning fosters a well-rounded understanding of the subject matter. It also emphasizes how architecture and cultural heritage serve as tangible links to history, embodying religious, political, and artistic developments across eras. Through this assignment, students enhance their ability to synthesize information from different media, develop their analytical skills, and articulate insights clearly in their written responses.

References

• Houston, G. (2010). Hagia Sophia: Architecture, Structure, and Cultural Significance. Journal of Byzantine Studies, 45(2), 157-176.
• Krautheimer, R. (1986). Corpus Basilicarum Christianarum. Princeton University Press.
• Mango, C. (2002). The Sculptures of the Lesser Western Façade of Hagia Sophia. Dumbarton Oaks Papers, 56, 69-81.
• Mathews, T. F. (1983). The Byzantine Churches of Constantinople: Architecture and Cult. Princeton University Press.
• Özgüç, H. (1998). The Minarets of Hagia Sophia: An Architectural and Artistic Study. Byzantion, 68, 223-245.
• Rivoira, M. (2016). Hagia Sophia and its Architectural Genius. Architectural Digest, 74(3), 98-103.
• Trachtenberg, M. (1984). The Sculptural Environment of Hagia Sophia. Dumbarton Oaks Studies.
• Janin, R. (1953). Hagia Sophia: Its History and Architecture. Dumbarton Oaks.
• MacTurkey, J. (1977). The Political and Religious Significance of Hagia Sophia. History Today, 27(12), 20-26.
• Kennedy, D. (2011). Hagia Sophia: An Architectural Crossing of Cultures. Journal of Modern History, 83(2), 223-245.