Posted: November 1st, 2015

Choose one of the topics and write a short essay (~500 words). Strive for clarity, depth of thought, and — above all else — brevity. Try to make two or three good points on your topic with supporting evidence. You do not have to write much, but make what you write say something important or interesting! Use this assignment as an opportunity to explore the humanities and deepen your understanding of the material.

1. Consider A Students Day at the University of Paris. Using the same format, record one of your typical days. Then write an ideal day for a student. How does your actual day compare to that of a medieval students day? How does your ideal day compare? Finally, how do your real and ideal days compare?
2. Research the basic beliefs of the followers of Saint Francis of Assisi. How are these basic beliefs related to the life of Saint Francis?
3. Find out and report on what Thomas Aquinas contemporaries thought of him.
4. Investigate and report on the education of women during the High Middle Ages.
5. The medical school at Salerno and the law school at Bologna admitted women students at a time when almost every other school refused. Discuss why these schools admitted women.
6. Write an account of the story of Heloise and Abelard for People magazine or the New York Times. Or, write the script of a television talk show featuring Abelard and Heloise telling their story.