Art is a representation of society at the time. It can reflect what society is feeling at the time, going through, and societal shifts. Looking at the art of the time, can tell you a lot about what the time was like. Also, understanding the history that was surrounding the art, can help to complete the picture and helps us to make sense of the images. When looking at art (sculpture, paintings, architecture), it is important to make observations from the piece (color, texture, symbols etc.) and then think about time period in which it was created to bring in context.
After seeing some images today in class, in your groups, pick three pieces of art (painting, sculpture, or architecture) from the following time periods. One should be from pre-plague (Middle Ages) time, one from during the plague, and one after the plague (Renaissance).
For each of the three pieces>>>Comment on this post and please give us a link to the art piece, and...tell us ... What is the name of the piece? Who created it? If we know, why it was created? When was it created? What is the medium for the art piece? What are some elements (observations) about the piece that truly make it a representation of the time period? What are some historical ideas, events, themes that help to put this piece in context? How is this different from other art pieces from different time periods? Which of the 5 themes of history do you see in this image? How?
Friday, January 27, 2012
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Impacts of the Plague
We have made our way through most of the Middle Ages, unpacking themes and concepts such as the formation of feudalistic societies, a change in society through chivalry, a decline in the authority of monarchs, the reasoning behind epic poems and literature, and of course a rise in the power of the Church. We have dissected these concepts and examined them through different lenses in order to find where in all of this is the influence of the people. "Who has the Power?"
When examining the concept of power, it is important to not get too carried away when trying to associate it as being purely a human characteristic. There are times in History when power has indeed not been in the hands of humans, but something else; something capable of rocking society, if not the very concept of human existence, to the core.
This is one of those times...
In your table groups you will research the Bubonic Plague which ravished Europe and Asia during the Middle Ages. As you research do not focus too much on the facts (although they are intriguing), but take a more thematic approach when trying to interpret what the true impacts of the Plague were on societies and the human experience.
When you are done researching please answer the following questions. There should be only one comment per group which must contain the answers to the questions along with the names of the group members. (Just like last time.) Each answer must be well thought out and supported with evidence.
1. How did Government respond to the Plague? Why?
2. How did Religion respond to the Plague? Why?
3. How did Societies respond to the Plague? Why?
4. What role did Economy have in the manifestation of the Plague?
5. What role did Geography have in the manifestation of the Plague?
6. If an event such as the Plague were to hit present day society, what do you think would be the response? (What role would Government have or take? What role would Religion have or take? What would be the reaction of Society? What role would Economy have in the manifestation of the Plague? What role would Geography have in the manifestation of the Plague?)
When examining the concept of power, it is important to not get too carried away when trying to associate it as being purely a human characteristic. There are times in History when power has indeed not been in the hands of humans, but something else; something capable of rocking society, if not the very concept of human existence, to the core.
This is one of those times...
In your table groups you will research the Bubonic Plague which ravished Europe and Asia during the Middle Ages. As you research do not focus too much on the facts (although they are intriguing), but take a more thematic approach when trying to interpret what the true impacts of the Plague were on societies and the human experience.
When you are done researching please answer the following questions. There should be only one comment per group which must contain the answers to the questions along with the names of the group members. (Just like last time.) Each answer must be well thought out and supported with evidence.
1. How did Government respond to the Plague? Why?
2. How did Religion respond to the Plague? Why?
3. How did Societies respond to the Plague? Why?
4. What role did Economy have in the manifestation of the Plague?
5. What role did Geography have in the manifestation of the Plague?
6. If an event such as the Plague were to hit present day society, what do you think would be the response? (What role would Government have or take? What role would Religion have or take? What would be the reaction of Society? What role would Economy have in the manifestation of the Plague? What role would Geography have in the manifestation of the Plague?)
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Beowulf Discussion Questions
After you have read the Epic Poem, Beowulf, please answer the questions below through the thematic lens your group was assigned. (1. Religion 2. Government 3. Society 4. Geography) Your answers should be thorough and should reflect 2 full days of communication and interpretation within your group. Note: Only one person from the group needs to comment on the Blog. Remember to head/title your comment with the theme the group will be using as a lens.
1. How does Beowulf provide us with a lens into the Middle Ages?
2. How does Beowulf exemplify an Epic Poem?
3. What similarities do we, present day, share with the characters of the Middle Ages?
4. Do Epic Poems, such as Beowulf, present us with accurate depictions of life in the Middle Ages? Why/Why Not?
5. Why do we still read/study Beowulf? What is it about the story that has transcended nearly 1,000 years of history?
1. How does Beowulf provide us with a lens into the Middle Ages?
2. How does Beowulf exemplify an Epic Poem?
3. What similarities do we, present day, share with the characters of the Middle Ages?
4. Do Epic Poems, such as Beowulf, present us with accurate depictions of life in the Middle Ages? Why/Why Not?
5. Why do we still read/study Beowulf? What is it about the story that has transcended nearly 1,000 years of history?
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
January 18, 2012 Discussion Post
1) Why do you think that as a society, chivalry, the moral code was embraced? What was its role/purpose?
2) Compare and Contrast the struggle between political & religious power during the middle ages to what you know about today’s church & politics.
3) Why do you think that many political leaders were willing to listen to the Pope, or the church as a whole, & give up their power to the church?
4) How does the idea of chivalry, canon law, and epic poetry work together (or not work together) to help create one ideology? Does this take or add power to society?
2) Compare and Contrast the struggle between political & religious power during the middle ages to what you know about today’s church & politics.
3) Why do you think that many political leaders were willing to listen to the Pope, or the church as a whole, & give up their power to the church?
4) How does the idea of chivalry, canon law, and epic poetry work together (or not work together) to help create one ideology? Does this take or add power to society?
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
January 17, 2012 Discussion Post
Please answer the following two questions based on your views and our discussion from today. Reply to the post with comments, do not start a new post. Please feel free to read and comment on your classmates' posts.
1) How much control did society have of the change going on?
2) Why was society looking for a unifying entity?
1) How much control did society have of the change going on?
2) Why was society looking for a unifying entity?
Monday, January 16, 2012
The Power of Opportunity
Here are three questions we want you all to reflect on and come prepared to discuss in class on Tuesday. Please comment on this post with your ideas and interpretations. DO NOT START ANOTHER POST!
1. Why do you think society was so willing to adhere to the teachings of the Church during the Middle Ages?
2. What do you think would have happened to society if the Christian Religion had not been accepted by the invading Germanic tribes?
3. What was it about the Middle Ages that presented such a great opportunityfor the Church to expand its' power?
1. Why do you think society was so willing to adhere to the teachings of the Church during the Middle Ages?
2. What do you think would have happened to society if the Christian Religion had not been accepted by the invading Germanic tribes?
3. What was it about the Middle Ages that presented such a great opportunityfor the Church to expand its' power?
Thursday, January 12, 2012
2nd Semester Kick-off
So here we are, a full semester in, and a lot has been covered. We have covered nearly 10,000 years in 18 weeks. Is that possible? Absolutely! By now it should be apparent that history is more than just dates and events. It is a culmination of human behaviors and characteristics that have had a hand in shaping the environment we know today. When attempting to understand these characteristics it is important to acknowledge the environments they were fostered in, hence the 5 Themes of History. Here is your challenge...
When looking at the 5 Themes of History which do you feel is the most important, or the one that drives the others? Think about this as your answers must be backed by evidence and reasoning. Reply to this thread when answering. Feel free to comment on others responses as well.
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