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

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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