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 their historical place as well as its characteristics. Bibliography lists 6 sources. Dkages.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

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

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

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

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" / 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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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