| Medieval
Times -- Are "The Dark Ages" An Appropriate Term ? : This 8 page paper
looks at Medieval Times, asking whether or not the term dark ages adequately describes the
historical period. The middle ages are discussed in terms of its historical place as well
as its characteristics. Bibliography lists 6 sources. Dkages.wps
Dark Ages Analyzed : This 6 page
research paper examines the historical period which has become known as the Dark Ages.
Specifically explored is the prevalent society, including the standard of living, culture,
religion and writing and language of the people. Bibliography lists 5 sources. Darkages.wps
Medieval Coinage : In this 8 page
research paper, the writer examines issues and circumstances concerning the coining of
money during medieval times. Economic situations are assessed and the overall impact that
coining had over the centuries is determined. Bibliography lists 8 sources. Coins.wps
Medieval Feudalism : A 6 page
research paper exploring the elements of medieval feudalism in England. Descriptions of
what constituted medieval feudalism, reason for wars, status of women and the decline of
the feudal system are discussed. Bibliography lists 5 references. Feud.wps
Feudalism, The Norman Conquest, & 11th
Century English Politics : In this 9 page paper, the writer is concerned with
whether or not Feudalism imposed by the 11th century Norman Conquest truly had an impact
on politics in England. Issues of ownership, social class, and much more are examined to
reach the ultimate conclusion that the impact of Feudalism was a positive one indeed.
Bibliography lists 6 sources. Normancq.wps
The Differences Between Feudalism Before and
After the Norman Conquest : This 8 page paper reviews how feudalism evolved from
its original application after the Norman Conquest and the rule of William I. Bibliography
lists five sources. Diffno.wps
Hildegard of Bingen / "Music Makes Cold
Hearts Warm" : A 6 page paper discussing the music of Hildegard of Bingen.
This paper outlines its compositional style and how it fits in the genre of sacred music
of the Middle Ages. Her musical styles and thematics have been noted in later composers.
Bibliography lists five sources. Hildegar.wps
Medieval Judaism : A 3 page essay
responding to the lot of the Jewish in the Middle Ages. The paper mentions the premier
Jewish philosopher of the era, Maimonides, and a few of his positions that are tenets of
Orthodox Jewish doctrine today. It glances at the fact that practicing Jews, through
application, education and commitment, are generally effective at their work, regardless
of what that work might be, and that the anti-Semitism of the time might have sprung more
from envy than from dogmatic differences. Bibliography lists 2 sources. Jews.wps
The Inquisition As A Response To Heresy :
A 4 page research paper which explores the way the Church regarded heresy, and the
formation of the Inquisition as a response to this problem. Bibliography lists 3 sources. Hersyinq.wps
Judaism vs. Catholicism / Before The Inquisition
: An 8 page paper that posits that antisemitism was built slowly over the first
millenia C.E., and that prior to the Inquisition, the theology of Judaism and Catholicism
followed the same general path, meeting the same intents for the two religions. The paper
shows that although the intent was the same and the timing of interpretations followed
similar paths, the philosophies behind the two religions were different from the
beginning. Bibliography lists 6 sources. Judocath.wps
Medieval Monasticism : A 3 page essay
examining the role of monasteries in the Middle Ages, and using Monte Cassino, founded by
St. Benedictine, as the standard against which others are compared. One cited reference. Monast.wps
The Rise of Universities In the Middle Ages
: A 5 page research paper which looks at how this intrinsic part of Western
civilization originated during a time in history which is thought of as the "Dark
Ages." The writer points out how only a handful of the Western institutions can claim
the continuous longevity of universities. Bibliography lists 5 sources. RisoUniv.wps
A Medieval Story : This 5 page
story takes place in medieval times. The main character in this first person account is a
16 year old aristocrat. It givers her perception of the commons. The writer utilizes
historical fact to create an accurate work of fiction. Medfic.wps
Monks in Medieval France / Vows Of Chastity ?
: 6 pages in length. Medieval monks.. did they adhere to their vows of chastity,
poverty, obedience, and sometimes silence? Research suggests not. Evidence points to
excesses in physical pleasures, especially in the realms of sex and food. The sometimes
perverted sexual habits of some of the monks has been passed down through anecdotal
records. Bibliography included. Monks.wps
Work in Medieval Times : Occupations and
how they were contained within towns and centers are the focus of this 5 page paper about
the Middle Ages. Some comparison is made to contemporary society for illustrative
purposes. Bibliography lists 6 sources. Medwork.wps
High Medieval Neoplatonism : 4 pages in
which Neoplatonism is defined, compared to today's New Age Movement, and discussed in
terms of the move during the beginnings of the Italian Renaissance away from Aristotelian
philosophy and toward that of Plato. Discusses the debate between Islamic philosophers
Avicenna and al-Ghazali, and the resistance of Catholic leaders to accept the doctrine
when at the same time they were relying on some of its tenets. Icon.wps
Humanism in the Italian Renaissance / Two
Viewpoints : A 6 page analysis of two books on this topic--Garin's Italian
Humanism; Philosophy and Civic Life in the Renaissance and Baron's The Crisis of
the Early Italian Renaissance: Civic Humanism and Republican Liberty in the Age of
Classicism and Tyranny. The writer demonstrates how the strengths and weakness of the
two scholarly works are complementary and argues that studying them both gives a good
overview of this topic. No additional sources cited. Humren.wps
The Transition From Early To High Middle Ages
: A 3 page essay on a few of the points marking the transition from the early (or
mid-) to the High Middle Ages. Briefly discussed are the influences of rural to urban life
and the ensuing governmental changes, the rise of cultural and educational pursuits, and
the new influence of the church. One cited reference. Rise.wps
The History of the Holy Grail : A 7
page paper discussing the sources from which the theme of the Holy Grail was gathered, and
how the theme has changed over time. Sources discussed include the Mabinogion,
Chrétien de Troyes, Robert de Boron, the Perlesvaus, the Queste del Saint Graal,
and Thomas Malory. Bibliography lists six sources. Grail.wps
Nobility in Medieval Literature : A 5
page paper describing the role of nobility in the Middle Ages. The writer uses Dante's
Inferno as a primary source, and describes how Dante presented the noble class.
Bibliography cites four sources. Inferno.wps
Prostitution in the Middle Ages : A
10 page paper discussing prostitution and its evolution during the Middle Ages. Reasons
women entered prostitution, what their choices were, and society’s viewpoints and
condemnation are also reviewed. Bibliography lists 11 sources. Midprost.wps
Chretien de Troyes’ "Yvain" :
A 5 page analysis of de Troyes’ tale on the subject of how pure love leads to
transformation of the individual—where Yvain and other characters are representatives
of both the personal soul and the community soul. Bibliography lists 1 source. YvaindeT.doc
Chretien de Troyes’ "Yvain" /
Love and Marriage : A 5 page paper showing how the title character in Chretien de
Troyes’ medieval romance learns to appreciate the value of love. The paper concludes
that in the Middle Ages a successful man’s life was supposed to be carefully
calibrated to include both love and adventure -- a public life and a private -- and Yvain
erred in favoring one at the expense of the other. One source cited. Lmyvain.wps
Chretien De Troyes' "Yvain" /
Relationship Between Knights and Nobles : In this 3 page essay, the
writer discusses such things as the importance of nobility in Knighthood, chivalry, and
the "human side" of Knights as evidenced by the character of Yvain. This is
contrasted with Nobles- who were not treated as heroes in this genre of literature.
Specific examples from the story are provided. Bibliography lists 3 sources. Yvain.wps
The Legends Of King Arthur / Fiction or
Reality : An 8 page essay exploring the historical roots of King Arthur. Stresses
that the middle age authors who passed on the stories paid little attention to historical
setting and that therefore the question of the reality of King Arthur is difficult to
answer. Bibliography lists five sources. Kinga.wps
King Arthur’s Wife / The Legend Of
Guinevere Through Time : A 10 page paper tracing the development of the legend of
King Arthur’s wife Guinevere from her origins in Celtic tales, through Chretien de
Troyes and Thomas Malory, to Alfred Lord Tennyson’s treatment of her in "Idylls
of the King." The paper shows how the perception of a free-thinking and independent
woman changed over time, providing reasons why this may have occurred. Bibliography lists7
sources. Guenevre.wps
Case / The Role of Ius Commune in Medieval
Law : 6 pages defining the concept of Ius Commune and explaining a specific
Medieval Jurist's decision in a particular model case based upon this fundamental
principle. The case involved a widower seeking to retain her dowry -- against the will of
her late husband's family who wanted it for themselves. The case itself is not available.
No Bibliography. Medivlaw.wps
Medieval / Liturgical Drama And "The
Story of Daniel" : A 10 page paper on the Medieval liturgical drama. The
paper provides a description of the basis of drama and how it was incorporated into the
Roman Catholic Church to teach Bible stories to the congregation. The Story of Daniel is
discussed in relationship to this type of teaching, and how the drama was used in Medieval
times versus how it is used today. This particular drama became a stepping stone for the
incorporation of secular music into the liturgical process of presentation, and as such,
led to opera and the modernization of heroic plays. The play is being used today in both
church settings and film, and the storyline is being incorporated into as diverse fields
as music and multimedia. Bibliography lists 7 sources. Medieval.doc
Leverage Buyouts Of The 80's Vs. Medieval
Times : In this thoughtful 4 page essay, the writer makes comparisons between the
role of the stirrup (horse & saddle) during the Middle Ages and the leverage buyout of
the 1980's (U.S. economic history). It is argued that in the Middle Ages, the need for a
Cavalry presented itself in order to protect the lords and the system of feudalism.
Without such Cavalry, the system would collapse and those who held the power and the
wealth would cease to hold it. In the 1980s, the conditions were similar. During that time
period an overwhelming sense of greed and a thirst for power took hold among those in the
stock market, or those who had control of the money and the economy. Bibliography lists 2
sources. Stirrup.wps
Literature & Medieval Warfare : An
8 page discussion of the "Song of Roland" as an example of the logical aspects
of Medieval Warfare. It is noted that while the typical knight's code of honor should not
be underestimated and was of great importance, so was his quest for financial rewards.
Bibliography lists 5 supporting sources. Medieval.wps
Why Did Roland Wait to Blow His Horn? : A
2 page look at the anonymous French chanson de geste, The Song of Roland. It
analyzes why Roland takes such a long time to blow his horn to summon aid, and determines
that it was initially pride, but then sound military strategy. Bibliography lists 1
source. Rolhorn.wps
Song Of Roland : Some say that
courage is danger, difficulty, or pain without fear. It contains elements of will power
and self-sacrifice. Courage will inspire men to hold their ground when every instinct
calls upon them to run away. In The Song of Roland bravery and courage are the main
themes. Three of the main characters reflect concepts of an archetype well known to the
people of the time. This is a 5 page paper that examines the story, the characters and the
plot in terms of the archetypes and their concepts of bravery. No additional sources
cited. Songrola.wps
"The Song of Roland" : This
5 page report discusses the medieval poem "The Song of Roland" or Chanson de
Roland and summarizes the plot, describes the poem’s characters and their roles,
and briefly discusses the "ideal" behavior of a knight, as well as chivalry in
the middle ages of Europe. No additional sources cited. Roland3.wps
Courtly Love in Medieval / Arthurian Romances
: A well-organized 11 page research paper on the theme of courtly love in Medieval
Literature. The writer focuses upon such authors as Andreas Capellanus, Chretien de
Troyes, and others. The role of women, chivalry, etc;-- is elaborated upon using such
examples as "Lancelot" and various other Arthurian romances. Bibliography lists
10 sources. Medeiva2.wps
Presentation of Kingships in Medieval Literature
: A 7 page paper presenting the role taken by the medieval king in such works as
Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. The writer depicts the father-son
relationship that existed between a king and his warriors. Bibliography lists three
sources. Kingship.wps
The Two Lives of Charlemagne : A 5 page
paper that describes some moments in a day in the life of Charlemagne, King of the Franks.
The paper uses the text by Einhard to reference material for the a prose piece created
from the perspective of a cautious friend of the King. Charle.wps
Charlemagne According to Einhard :
A 9 page essay on Einhard’s history of Charlemagne and its significance to the world
today. The writer explores the military, religious, civic and personal life of
Charlemagne, his expansion of France, and his relationships with others during his time.
The writer also explores the reasons behind the current interest in Charlemagne, and
posits that those reasons include historical preservation, religious history, and
relationship to the current political situation in Europe. Bibliography lists 5 sources. Cnchrlmg.wps
Louis the Pious : A 5 page essay on
Charlemagne’s only legitimate son. The writer posits that although Louis was a weak
governor in many ways, which resulted in his failure to unite Germany, he instilled within
all of the Germanic tribes the desire for study. Bibliography lists 2 sources. Luispios.wps
Beowulf : A 4 page (detailed) analytical
discussion of the classic English epic poem - "Beowulf." No Bibliography. Beowulf2.wps
Beowulf / An Overview : A 5 page
paper about the Old English epic. The writer provides an overview of the story and then
analyzes its importance to contemporary readers today. No additional sources cited. Beowulf3.wps
Family Ties in Beowulf : A 5 page
paper analyzing the way the author of this anonymous early-medieval poem views the ties of
family and kinship. The paper concludes that the poem’s author considered valor and
nobility to have a genetic component, and felt that a person of noble blood bore an extra
measure of responsibility for his people. Bibliography lists 1 source. Famwulf.wps
The Character of Hrothgar in Beowulf : A
3 page essay in which the writer analytically presents Hrothgar as the most
"human" character in the epic "Beowulf." It is posited that while
Hrothgar does indeed have all of the qualities necessary for greatness, he is the one
character with whom we can most identify. Also examined is Hrothgar's relationship with
Beowulf and the fact that while he has wisdom, Hrothgar lacks courage. No Bibliography. Hrothgar.wps
Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight
: A 5 page paper that discusses the difference between the two heroes in these
works. Beowulf and Gawain both represent the characteristics of heroes, but both
demonstrate them in different ways. While Beowulf fights his battles to achieve fame and
glory, Gawain battles the Green Knight in service to Arthur. There personal
characteristics determine the outcomes of the works. Bibliography lists 3 source. Gawain.wps
Beowulf vs. Achilles : A 6 page paper
comparing the characters of Beowulf and Achilles (Greek mythology for Achilles). Shows
basic similarities in their actions, but very different motivations. Bibliography lists a
total of four sources (including the two primary ones). Beowulf.wps
Feudalism in Sir Gawain : A 6 page
paper on the fourteenth-century anonymous work Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. It
points out that the social structures imposed by feudalism had a great deal to do with the
development of all three branches of chivalry -- bravery, loyalty, and decorum. Examples
are offered from the poem. Bibliography lists 5 sources. Gawainf.wps
Knight’s Tale Vs Sir Gawain /
Conflicting Obligations Of Knighthood: In 5 pages, the writer discusses
conflicting and overlapping obligations of knighthood as present in Chaucer's The
Knight's Tale and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Knigconf.wps
Honor & The Test in Sir Gawain and the
Green Knight : A 3 page paper on this famous medieval poem of anonymous
authorship. The paper examines the question of whether Gawain passes the test set up for
him by the Green Knight, and argues that he does; the point of the exercise was to test
Gawain’s honor and courage, and he exhibited both. Bibliography lists 2 sources. Hontest.wps
The Role Of Women & Non-Elites In
Renaissance Italy : A 5 page paper that considers the role of women and non-elites
in Renaissance Italy and outlines the elements of the Italian court. Bibliography lists 2
sources. Italian.renaissance.doc
Women In Medieval Times / Book Review : A
4 page critique of Powell's book entitled "Medieval Women." The writer describes
and evaluates the book's thesis : that there were two primary roles played by women in
Medieval society; women in subjection to men and women as a symbol of worship. Full
citation for the book is provided. Medwomen.wps
Christianity And Medieval Civilization : A
6 page paper tracing three specific Christian precepts through the Confessions of
St. Augustine, Beowulf, the Song of Roland, and Dante’s Divine
Comedy. The paper suggests that cultures which were not obsessed with warfare and
self-defense fared better at incorporating Christian tenets into their behavioral
patterns. Bibliography lists 4 sources. Chriciv.wps
Christian Iconography and Medieval Burial Rites
: A 14 page paper discussing the influence of Christian symbolism and iconography in
the Middle Ages. Bibliography lists 10 sources. Icon.doc
The Role Of Women & Non-Elites In
Renaissance Italy : A 5 page paper that considers the role of women and non-elites
in Renaissance Italy and outlines the elements of the Italian court. Bibliography lists 2
sources. Italian.renaissance.doc
Humanism / Italian Renaissance & Northern
Humanism : A 5 page paper that provides an overview of the differentiation between
Italian and Northern humanism, and considers the role of men like Erasmus of Rotterdam.
Bibliography lists 4 sources. Humanism.north.doc
Humanism & The Italian Renaissance /
Development Of Late Medieval : A 5 page paper that provides and overview of
humanism during the Italian Renaissnace and considers the impacts on social constructs,
religion and medieval thought. Bibliography lists 5 sources. Humitaly.wps
Humanism in the Italian Renaissance / Two
Viewpoints : A 6 page analysis of two books on this topic--Garin's Italian
Humanism; Philosophy and Civic Life in the Renaissance and Baron's The Crisis of
the Early Italian Renaissance: Civic Humanism and Republican Liberty in the Age of
Classicism and Tyranny. The writer demonstrates how the strengths and weakness of the
two scholarly works are complementary and argues that studying them both gives a good
overview of this topic. No additional sources cited. Humren.wps
The Positive Effects of Disease – Medieval
China : This 6 research page paper briefly draws on some of the information
provided in McNeill’s "Plagues and People," as well as other
information that illustrates that disease can have positive effects for a population.
Bibliography lists four sources. Chinadis.wps
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