Evaluate the methods used to achieve religious expansion and conversion in two societies.

Candidates will appraise the methods used in two societies to spread religion and to acquire converts. While the focus of the response must be within the timeframe of this topic, the two societies chosen need not be contemporaneous with each other and they may or may not be chosen from the same region. The effectiveness of the methods used for expansion and conversion, including their strengths and limitations, will be appraised. Such appraisal may include an assessment of the effectiveness of the methods, the impact of their cost—either financial or in regards to human resources—and/or the impact on the converted population. Each society may be considered separately or a thematic approach may be used if the candidates choose to compare the methods used.