learning and culture flourish section 8-4 pp. 262-268
TRANSCRIPT
Preview Questions
• How did medieval universities advance learning?
• How did “new” learning affect medieval thought?
• What styles of art, literature, and architecture developed in the High Middle Ages?
Medieval Universities
• Early Universities – Evolved from cathedral
schools established to train clergy members
– Organized like guilds • Charters protected rights of
members• Standards for training
Medieval Universities
• Student Life – Long hours and
harsh conditions – Focused on
memorization – Studied several
liberal arts – Could eventually
become a “master” of the arts
Medieval Universities
• Women and Education – Women were not allowed to
attend universities, which greatly limited their opportunities
– Christine de Pizan: Famous author who wrote The City of Ladies about the capabilities of women
– Women were expected to remain at home and use their “natural gifts”
Europeans Acquire “New” Learning
• Spread of Learning – Muslim scholars preserved “classic” works of
Greece– Jews in Spain translated these works into Latin,
sparking a new interest in learning
Europeans Acquire “New” Learning
• Philosophy – Christians struggled to
adopt Aristotle’s teachings of truth based on reason.
– Scholasticism • Using reason to support
religious beliefs • Popularized by St.
Thomas Aquinas’ Summa Theologica
Europeans Acquire “New” Learning
• Science and Math – Scientific progress was slow because some
knowledge conflicted with Church teachings – Mathematic advances were adopted from Arabic
culture
Europeans Acquire “New” Learning
• Medieval Literature – New writings appeared in the vernacular, or
everyday languages of ordinary people– Epics told stories of heroic deeds • Ex: Song of Roland and El Cid
– Dante’s Divine Comedy• Imaginary journey into hell and purgatory • Idea: Actions in this life determine fate in afterlife
– Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales• Tale of Christians on a pilgrimage • Characters represent different medieval social roles
Architecture and Art
• Romanesque Style – Thick Walls – Semi-circular arches – Towers – Dark and gloomy
Romanesque Cathedral in Lisbon, Portugal
Architecture and Art
• Gothic Style– Higher walls– Stained glass windows – Tall Spires – Supported by flying
buttresses – Intricate carvings – Gargoyles
Reims Cathedral in France