Comparative Civilizations 12
“There have been times in the history of man when the earth seems suddenly to have grown warmer or more radio-active... One such time was about the year 3000 B.C., when quite suddently civilization appeared... another was in the late 6th century B.C., when there was not only the miracle of Ionia and
Greece... but also in India... Another was round about the year 1100. It seems to have affected the whole world, but its strongest and most dramatic effect was in Western Europe - where it was most needed. It was like a
Russian spring. In every branch of life - action, philosophy, organisation, technology - there was an extraordianry outpouring of energy, an intensification of existence.”
Sir Kenneth Clark
“Humanity in the late Middle Ages seemed to experience a spiritual and intellectual revival which had a profound influence on the creative spirit. Perfectly expressed in the Gothic cathedral, the mystery of faith was embodied in the mystery of space. Stone was transubstantiated into ethereal tracery defining open space flooded by the colored light from stained glass windows... the vigorous growth of towns and cities accelerated the pace of life and turned the focus of wealth and power away from the feudal countryside, and the new universities replaced monasteries as centers of learning.
Dennis Sporre
Resources:
1. The Creative Impulse by Dennis Sporre, pp. 219-243.
2. Civilisation by Sir Kenneth Clark, pp. 33-60.
3.
Library Sources.
4.
Internet Sources:

University of Kansas Index of Resources for Historians at http://www.ku.edu/history/VL/
 As usual, see NM’s Creative Impulse Resources, this time at: http://history.evansville.net/medieval.html

Excellent documents at the Medieval Sourcebook: http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/sbook.html

A superb reference source is The Labyrinth at http://labyrinth.georgetown.edu/

Most things Medieval can be researched at http://www.netserf.org

Outstanding architectural images are provided by Alison Stones' Medieval Art & Architecture at http://www.providence.edu/dwc/medartac.htm

Find good material on Medieval Philosophy at Medieval Learning: http://www.christianchronicler.com/history1/medieval_learning.html
and at Adventures in Philosophy; Medieval
Philosophy: http://radicalacademy.com/adiphilmedieval.htm
Media:
1. Civilisation; The Great Thaw (filmstrip)
2.
Art of the Western World; A White Garment of Churches.
3. The Day the Universe Changed; Faith in Numbers.
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Comparative Civilizations 12
Evaluation:
Medieval Society & Thought 8; Romanesque Sculpture 2; Architecture – Romanesque to Gothic 5;
Diagrams 8 x 5 each = 40 marks. Presentation & Bibliography 5; Total: 60 marks.
Suggested Time:
Five periods.
Medieval Society and Thought:
1.
What effects did the CRUSADES have on Europe?
2.
Describe the system of FEUDALISM that emerged in Western Europe during the Middle Ages.
How did it balance military, political and religious matters?
3.
What was the CODE OF CHIVALRY and how did it often contrast with reality in Medieval
Europe?
4.
How did the emergence of a middle class in towns and cities serve to undermine FEUDALISM ?
Who or what benefited from the growing wealth and power of this new class?
5.
What role did the Church play in the lives of Medieval people? Be sure to refer to religious and social affairs.
6.
Describe the Medieval philosophical debate that emerged out of the conflicting ideas of ANSELM
(“I must believe in order that I understand”) and ABELARD (I must understand in order that I may believe.”). How did the widespread acceptance of Abelard’s view lead to a great increase in scholarship and knowledge in Medieval Europe?
Romanesque Sculpture:
1.
Describe the characteristics of Romanesque sculpture.
2.
Who was GISLEBERTUS and what was his greatest achievement. Be sure to provide illustrations of some of his work.
Architecture Romanesque to Gothic:
1.
Why are so many impressive Romanesque churches and abbeys found in the South of France?
2.
Describe the features of Romanesque architecture. Be sure to provide illustrations.
3.
Locate a good example of a Romanesque church (good examples would include: Cluny III; St.
Sernin, Toulouse; the abbey church of Ste. Madeleine, Vezelay; Ste. Foy, Conque; Autun
Cathedral). Sketch or trace the following: a) a floor plan b)an interior view c) an exterior side elevation d) an exterior front elevation.
4.
What innovations led to the emergence of the Gothic style. What role did ABBOT SUGER play in the emergence of this important architectural style?
5.
Provide an illustrated explanation of the elements of Gothic architecture.
6.
Sketch or trace the same items as in #3 above, but for a Gothic church (Good examples include:
Chartres Cathedral; Notre Dame, Paris; Rheims Cathedral, Amiens Cathedral, Bourges Cathedral).
7.
Research Durham Cathedral in England. What Gothic elements are found there? Why is it still considered a Romanesque (Norman) building?
8.
What innovations were given to the Gothic style of Architecture in England? Identify a good example of an English Gothic church and provide copied or downloaded illustrations of these features.
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