MH Master of Humanities 5

Question 1

What distinguishes 'primary sources' from 'secondary sources' in humanities research?

Accepted Answer

Primary sources are original materials from the period studied; secondary sources analyze or interpret primary sources

Answer

Primary sources are first-hand documents or artifacts from the time under study, while secondary sources offer analysis, interpretation, or commentary on primary sources.

Question 2

Which concept in narratology describes the sequence in which events are presented in a story, as opposed to their chronological order?

Accepted Answer

Plot

Answer

In narratology, 'plot' (or 'sjuzhet') refers to the order in which events are arranged in the narrative, which may differ from the chronological story order (fabula).

Question 3

What is the significance of the 'New Criticism' movement in literary studies?

Accepted Answer

It promoted close reading of the text itself, independent of authorial biography or historical context

Answer

New Criticism, dominant in mid-20th century academia, insisted on analyzing the text as a self-contained artifact through close reading, rejecting biographical and historical context.

Question 4

Which ancient Greek term refers to the emotional purification or relief experienced by audiences of tragedy?

Accepted Answer

Catharsis

Answer

Catharsis, as described by Aristotle in the Poetics, is the purging or clarification of emotions—particularly pity and fear—experienced by audiences watching tragedy.

Question 5

In the study of ethics, which framework judges the morality of an action solely by its outcomes or consequences?

Accepted Answer

Consequentialism

Answer

Consequentialism evaluates actions based on their results; the most well-known form, utilitarianism, holds that the right action maximizes overall well-being.

MH - Master of Humanities Practice Test

MH - Master of Humanities Practice Test

MH Master of Humanities 5