Martin Luther

http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/lutherltr-indulgences.html

What is an indulgence? Why is Luther protesting to the Archbishop about the granting of indulgences? What does he use to support his argument? Does he offer an alternative to this process? If so, what is it?

John Calvin

http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/calvin-onclergy.html

What is the basis of the doctrine Calvin espouses in this letter to the King of France? What does he offer to support this doctrine? Who are the people that he calls his "adversaries"? Why does he believe they oppose his doctrines?
Does the philosophy of Calvin in this text bear any similarities to that of Luther in the above text? If so, what are the similarities?

Monarchy

http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/mod/james1-trew2.html

What does James I argue is the basis of the rights of monarchs? What is the origin of kingship, according to this document?

Galileo

Against whom is Galileo defending himself in his letter to the Grand Duchess (http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/mod/galileo-tuscany.html,)? Why does he think these people are against him? How does he defend himself? What is the basis for his indictment in 1633 (http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/mod/1630galileo.html)? What was so frightening about his discoveries to the political leaders of his time?