The Late Middle Ages,
c. 1200-1450 CE
Contents
Introduction
AP European History really starts with The Renaissance around 1450 AD. But a survey of conditions in Europe just prior to when our story begins is helpful.
Summer Assignment
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Recommended Readings
These textbook selections provide a thorough background of European History from antiquity through the Middle Ages.
First, read “The West Before 1300” from The Western Heritage Since 1300 by Kagan, Ozment, and Turner.
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Next, read “Chapter 12: The Crisis of the Later Middle Ages” from A History of Western Society by McKay, Hill, and Buckler.
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Required Key Terms
Study the terms below related to The Medieval Christian Church, Feudal Society, and Late Medieval Conflicts in preparation for a quiz during the first week of the course.
- focus on the basic identifiers "Who/what, where, and when?"
- understand “How did it make a difference?” (causes and course of the event)
- explain “Why is it significant?” (short- and long-term impacts)
The Medieval Christian Church
Gloucester Cathedral, England was built between 1089 and 1499 CE. The stained glass windows date from 1350 CE.
cloisters at Gloucester Cathedral, England
The Medieval Christian Church
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Feudal Society
A 13th century French representation of the tripartite social order of the middle ages – Oratores: "those who pray", Bellatores: "those who fight", and Laboratores: "those who work".
tournament of knights from the Codex Manesse
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Feudal Society
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Late Medieval Conflicts
The medieval walled city of Carcassone overlooked the surrounding countryside and protected trade routes through the south of France.
Late Medieval Conflicts
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The Medieval Christian Worldview
This required secondary source reading will be assigned during the first week of class. However, it is a heavy, difficult reading, and you may wish to read ahead in order to be better prepared.
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