Discussion 1
How did the Europe under the rule of the Charlemagne differ from Europe during the time of Constantine, and what did the title of “emperor” mean during each period?
Discussion 2
Discuss the differences and similarities between Western (Roman Catholic) Christianity, Eastern (Orthodox) Christianity, and Islam.
Discussion 3
How did medieval Universities differ from universities today? See Jacques de Vitry’sdescription of medieval students for one scholar’s description of students in medieval universities.
Discussion 4
Describe the social, political, and religious misfortunes of the 14th century and the effect of these events on the psychological and material fortunes of Europeans.
Discussion 5
Why did the Renaissance start in Italy? Describe the role of the aristocratic courts of such powerful figures as the de Medicis and the papacy in engendering and sustaining this cultural revival.
Discussion 6
The main goal of all Renaissance humanists was to fix their own world by recovering the glories of ancient Rome and Greece. How was this effort to revive antiquity reflected in the art and literature of the Renaissance?
Discussion 7
What were some of the topics Luther raised in the 95 Theses? What did he see as the major problems with the religious practices of his day?
Discussion 8
Why did the Reformation happen in the early 16th century after Martin Luther posted the 95 Thesis rather than earlier in response to other protests against Church practice?
Discussion 9
Identify the basic causes, both political and religious, of the bitter struggles of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries in France, the Holy Roman Empire, and the Netherlands. Describe the political and religious dimensions of the settlement of each of these conflicts.
Discussion 10
In what ways did the new science of Copernicus, Brahe, Kepler, and Galileo challenge not only the Aristotelian cosmos–foundation of all medieval science–but also the claims of the church?
Discussion 11
How did Versailles symbolize the authority of the French king and how did the Louis XIV use Versailles as a way to establish and maintain power?
