Journeyman Historian Core Lessons in Medieval History

These optional lessons are designed to provide a firm basis in Medieval research for those that wish to go on and work on the Master Historian in Medieval History designation. Like the Journeyman Historian Core Lessons in World History, these will cover a diverse range of topics that will have you explore Medieval history more deeply than in the Apprentice Lessons. The lessons will parallel the Journeyman Lessons in World History with the exception of their Medieval Focus. These lessons will conclude with the development of a thesis for research at the Master level, as well as the recommendation of your Mentor to continue on.

These can only be completed following the Journeyman Historian Core Lessons in World History. If you have any questions, get in touch with your mentor. On behalf of the Guild, good luck!

Just like the Journeyman Core Lessons in World History, we're going to kick these lessons off with the way many great adventures begin, by choosing your own way. The Apprentice Core Lessons in Medieval History gave you a general introduction to all the various facets of Medieval World. What interests you? It's time to choose your focus.


After you have decided what you want to explore further, answer the following questions in your journal:

- What did you choose to explore?
- Why did you choose this area to explore?
- What are some highlights about this facet of Medieval history?
- What do you want explore further?

With this focus narrowed down, you should start your 6 months of research into this area and begin developing your thesis. Each week, provide an update as to how your research is going and what you're looking into. If you have any questions, get in touch with your mentor.

We look forward to reading your journal entries!

History is shaped by events. Medieval History is no different. In about 1000 words, write an essay describing the significant events that had an impact on the Medieval world. What were the great wars(s)? What conflicts are going on with surrounding regions? What kinds of cultural or technological advancements were there? Research the Medieval timeline and share your answers to these questions. As always, don't forget to cite your sources.

History takes people to shape the events that occur. With Medieval history, who are some of the people that shaped this era? In about 1000 words, write an essay describing the significant leaders, thinkers, inventors, and people of influence. As always, remember to cite your sources.

Describe the geography of a particular Medieval civilization? How did this geography influence events during the Medieval period? In about 1000 words, write an essay describing these major geographic features and the people or events effected by them. Share maps of the area you are describing and describe how it has changed since the Medieval era.

Explore the culture or cultures of the Medieval Periods. Choose one the focus on. What is there art like? Did they have any predominate literature? What kinds of foods did they eat? Did they have a unified set of religious practices or beliefs? What is the style of their architecture? What language or languages are spoken? After you thoroughly investigate this culture, write individual essays of about 1000 words that address each of the following:

- Major Cities
- Major Religion or Religions
- Class Structure
- Language or Languages Spoken
- Art
- Architecture
- Diet
- Trade
- Major Works of Literature
- Governmental Structures and Law
- Military
- Daily Life for the Common Person

As always, don't forget to cite your sources.

Identify a list of Primary Sources that relate to your current research and share them in your journal. What is important about these sources? How can they relate to your future research project at the Master Level? In about 500 words or more, write an essay that covers identifying these sources and their use for you.

Pick 3 of the Primary Sources you identified in the previous lesson and give an analysis of their contents in 3 individual essays of 1000 words. Identify the author, the approximate year that it was written, and potential impact of the Primary Source as part of your response.

At the completion of your six month period of research, you should have a clearly outlined thesis for research work at the Master level. Because you have already worked through the process of developing a thesis in the Journeyman Core Lessons in World History, the only thing left to do is to have your thesis approved by your mentor. After approval and the completion of the Master Historian Requirements, you may begin working on your Master Historian in Medieval History requirements. Keep in touch with your mentor, and utilize them if you have any questions. Good luck!