Unit 12: Early Middle Ages
Subject: World History I
Know:
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


Essential elements of the feudalist society.
Rules and structure of each member of the feudalist society.
Benefits and deficits of the feudal society
Historical events leading up to the adoption of feudalist society.
Understand:


Feudalism was a system of government which occurred in response to basic needs specific to
the time period of the Early Middle Ages
In order for governments systems to function properly, the citizens must value the services that
they provide.
Do:


Write an analysis of the system from their perspective.
Provide a persuasive argument supported by historical facts
EQ’s:
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
How did the benefits and deficits provided by feudalism vary according to the different roles?
How did the values vary across the various feudal society roles?
Task:
Working in groups of 3-to 4 students, each of you will provide a snapshot of your evaluation of the
feudualist system. Each of you will be assigned a role of either: serf, royalty, land owner, or clergy???
Creative group:
Describe what it would feel like to be a member of this feudal society. Speak from the perspective of
your role. Provide an opinion statement summarizing your feelings about the feudal system based on
your role. You should include at least 3 reasons which you are able to support with historical facts that
you have learned about the Early Middle Ages.
Practical group:
Identify a common everyday problem with the Feudalist system which directly impacts your role. Using
your knowledge of historical facts and the feudalist system, develop a plan to address the problem as it
would concern your role.
Analytical group:
From the perspective of your assigned role, explain why the feudal system works as it does. Choose one
aspect of the feudal system that works well and prepare to justify/defend it to an audience of your
peers.
Made the Mark:
Criteria
Explain
characteristics of
Feudalist society
Understanding of
Key Concepts:
Systems and
societal values
Made the
Mark
The explanation is
complete with
necessary details.
A full
understanding is
evident.
The student
demonstrates an
accurate and
clear
understanding of
the concepts.
The student
demonstrates an
accurate and
clear
understanding of
the concepts.
Missed the Mark
The explanation is not
fully complete;
additional details are
necessary to
demonstrate a full
understanding.
The understanding
does not appear to be
accurate and/or
complete; additional
details and/or
refinements are
necessary.
The understanding
does not appear to be
accurate and/or
complete; additional
details and/or
refinements are
necessary.
Comment/Feedback
Checklist:
Rubric
Content
Defensible
Argument/Organization
Important historical facts Information is well organized
and concepts are
with position, reason, and
thoroughly provided
evidence provided;
which address the critical mechanically correct and
issues of feudalism and
effective.
the Early Middle Ages
Perspective
Proficient
3 points
Important historical facts
and concepts are
provided which address
most of the critical issues
of feudalism and the
Early Middle Ages.
Information is organized with
position, reason, and
evidence provided
mechanically correct and
effective.
Good explanation of main
points with balanced
representation and
understanding of all sides;
personal views are
evident
Emerging
2 points
Some important
historical facts and
concepts provided;
misses several critical
issues regarding
feudalism and the Early
Middle Ages.
Information is organized but
may not have sufficient
evidence to support the
position, but may be
mechanically in correct at
times; effective
Fair explanation of main
points with some
representation of all
sides- though may not be
balanced; personal views
are evident and are
weighted more in
presentation
Novice
1 point
Important historical facts
and concepts are
overlooked. Critical
issues regarding
Information is disorganized:
absence of position, reasons
or evidence; frequent
mechanical errors;
Poor explanation of main
points- several important
points missed; only
presents one side of the
Exemplary
4 points
Excellent explanation of
main points with
balanced representation,
understanding and
sensitivity to all sides;
personal views may or
may not be evident
feudalism and the Early
Middle Ages are not
addressed.
ineffective
A= 12-11 B= 10-9 C= 8-7 D= 6-5 E= 4- incomplete
issue; only shares
personal views