Melissa Purgert

Gatti
COR 499
20 September 2016
CCP: Whats the Landscape
Over the course of this semester, after the completion of the voting, I will be focusing on
one enduring question. Enduring questions enable society to continually question circumstances
and the morality or immorality that coincides with each. As I commence my research, I will be
considering different time periods, while using Rome as the center of my research. My enduring
question will be chosen by the class, and at the end of the semester, I will present my findings to
the COR 357 class. The form of my final product will be the presentation to the class, with a
paper, slide show, and potential group work to really spark interaction with the class. As I
present, my hope is that through giving insight of different circumstances, students are not able
to give one definitive answer to my enduring question. We are often persuaded to think one way,
however, with enough research, and a compelling case, I hope that my peers are unable to give
only one answer to my enduring question.
Three potential enduring questions I may pursue, but am not limited to are:
1. What is the value of education?
a. Consider Roman education system across periods of time, potentially
compared to other parts of the world (Ancient Rome, Present Rome, Rome
before Unification)
b. Look at the different systems of education and how each has led to a grander
impact in the world
c. Look at the different types of education, consider how education can be
impacted by social circumstances of a time period.

2. Why does art matter?

a. Consider why art matters today
b. Destroying some art to preserve other types of art
c. What has the relevance of art been in peoples lives across time
d. Consider the historical significance behind pieces of art, reflections of status,
and perceptions of art across time
3. What is worth dying for?
a. Take religion, war (freedom), ect. to a new extent
b. Consider whether this has changed across time or if it has remained relatively
similar despite the time
c. Consider social implications of different time periods and how that changed
peoples perceptions
i. Dying in gladiator battles was acceptable in ancient Rome, but dying
in boxing today is very frowned upon.
4. What is evil?
a. Consider how the concept of evil has changed overtime
b. What are the different definitions of evil?
c. How does the concept of evil differ between disciplines?
d. Can one answer what is evil? What can one question as being evil?
To start my research, I think it is vital to gain an even greater understanding of what an enduring
question is, and to have a scholarly source act as evidence for my rational behind my enduring
question. In addition to the NEH website (http://www.neh.gov/divisions/education/featured-

project/enduring-questions-corner) another good source for learning what an enduring question

is:
Miller, Linda B. "Enduring Questions." International Studies Review 2, no. 1 (2000): Xv.