UNIT TWO: FEUDAL EUROPE
Essential question: What was life in Europe like during Feudal times and what events led to social changes which ended Feudalism?
Focus Questions for this unit:
Core Curriculum
Overview
We cross the Atlantic to set the stage for the eventual European colonization of North America. We must understand the social, political, and economic forces which led to the mixing of continental cultures. To do so, we need to grasp how Europe evolved and identify the significant events which led to the eventual exploration and colonization of the North American continent. The Feudal system brought together a hodgepodge of political units to create a stable form of society. Generations of Europeans lived within this governmental framework. Why was it stable? What were the advantages and disadvantages of living under Feudalism? These are questions that must be answered.
The glue that held society together was the rising involvement of the church in daily life. The dominance of religion dictated a prescribed set of beliefs about man's purpose. As a result, for hundreds of years, Europe remained a relatively stagnant society, devoid of great advancements in science and medicine. It also produced a single-mindedness in terms of thought .
Breaking the chains of Feudalism opened to door to the Renaissance and eventually the paved the way toward exploration which brought together two continents.
Time: approximately 2 weeks
Individual lessons for this unit: (click to view lesson plans)
Very Superstitious!
Peasantry Sucks
Marco....Marco...
Readings
The Crusades
Life in Feudal Society
The Story They Would Not Believe
Primary Sources
Feudal Oath of Fealty
The Magna Carta (1215)
Feudalism Primary Sources
Excerpts from Marco Polo's Book
Simulations
Feudal M and M's
Power points
Feudal Europe
Videos
In the Footsteps of Marco Polo
Extension Activities and Resources
Reading: Reading: A Short Comparison between Chivalry and Bushido
Reading: Opening New Doors: The Modern Woman’s Case for Preserving Chivalry
Reading: Four Reason Why Women Should Celebrate the Death of Chivalry
Reading: Fun in the Pool: The History of the Marco Polo Game
Reading: Exploring the Truth: 10 Facts on the Real Marco Polo
Essential question: What was life in Europe like during Feudal times and what events led to social changes which ended Feudalism?
Focus Questions for this unit:
Core Curriculum
- How was Feudalism establish?
- What was its purpose?
- What was life like during feudal times?
- How did the discoveries of Marco Polo change European thought?
- What political and economic changes came about as a result of Polo's discoveries?
Curriculum of Connections - What was it like to live as a peasant during feudal times?
- What was it like to live as a noble in feudal times?
- Are any of the issues of class distinction still relevant today?( the election for instance)
- How do you think the Chinese felt about Marco Polo?
Curriculum of Practice - What sacrifices and risks did the two men in the film Following in their Footsteps Of Marco Polo make in order to live out their dream?
Curriculum of Identity - There is a relatively overused saying "Chivalry is Dead." Is it? Do you feel it has a place in modern society?
- What is fair and unfair about social classes?
- What might you do to help those living in less fortunate conditions than you?
- Given an opportunity to "improve" yourself, what risks would you be willing to take?
Overview
We cross the Atlantic to set the stage for the eventual European colonization of North America. We must understand the social, political, and economic forces which led to the mixing of continental cultures. To do so, we need to grasp how Europe evolved and identify the significant events which led to the eventual exploration and colonization of the North American continent. The Feudal system brought together a hodgepodge of political units to create a stable form of society. Generations of Europeans lived within this governmental framework. Why was it stable? What were the advantages and disadvantages of living under Feudalism? These are questions that must be answered.
The glue that held society together was the rising involvement of the church in daily life. The dominance of religion dictated a prescribed set of beliefs about man's purpose. As a result, for hundreds of years, Europe remained a relatively stagnant society, devoid of great advancements in science and medicine. It also produced a single-mindedness in terms of thought .
Breaking the chains of Feudalism opened to door to the Renaissance and eventually the paved the way toward exploration which brought together two continents.
Time: approximately 2 weeks
Individual lessons for this unit: (click to view lesson plans)
Very Superstitious!
Peasantry Sucks
Marco....Marco...
Readings
The Crusades
Life in Feudal Society
The Story They Would Not Believe
Primary Sources
Feudal Oath of Fealty
The Magna Carta (1215)
Feudalism Primary Sources
Excerpts from Marco Polo's Book
Simulations
Feudal M and M's
Power points
Feudal Europe
Videos
In the Footsteps of Marco Polo
Extension Activities and Resources
Reading: Reading: A Short Comparison between Chivalry and Bushido
Reading: Opening New Doors: The Modern Woman’s Case for Preserving Chivalry
Reading: Four Reason Why Women Should Celebrate the Death of Chivalry
Reading: Fun in the Pool: The History of the Marco Polo Game
Reading: Exploring the Truth: 10 Facts on the Real Marco Polo