1) The passage discusses several questions related to different periods and works of art in the humanities. 2) It asks the reader to compare and contrast works from the Italian Baroque period and Renaissance, noting defining characteristics of each. It also asks why artistic expression shifted from Renaissance stoicism to Baroque heightened emotion. 3) Several other questions discuss specific works and ask the reader to identify themes, do comparisons, and discuss influences and responses to different works of art. 4) The final question asks the reader to reflect on what they learned in the course and explain why they think the humanities are important.