Notes

The excerpt highlights the significance of medieval monasteries in Europe and Japan, emphasizing their dual role as religious and educational centers. Monks engaged in the study of various subjects, including language and mathematics, and contributed to the development of scholasticism, which sought to reconcile reason with faith. These monasteries laid the groundwork for modern universities and were responsible for creating illuminated manuscripts, which were intricately decorated hand-written books. Notable figures like St. Thomas Aquinas worked to merge ancient philosophies with Christian beliefs. In the realm of arts, the excerpt mentions Noh Theater, characterized by elaborate costumes and masks that depict cultural and historical narratives, and Zen Gardens, designed for meditation through their meticulous arrangement of natural elements. In literature, the "Tale of Genji" is recognized as the first novel, providing a romantic perspective on medieval aristocracy, while Waka poetry, particularly the Tanka form, was a prevalent poetic style with a specific syllable structure.

Summary: Medieval Europe & Japan
Module 2 Review: Medieval Europe & Japan
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2.01: Medieval Hierarchy
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Middle Ages: Period between the decline of the Roman Empire (~500 CE) and the Renaissance.
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Manoralism: Peasants dependent on land and lord.
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Feudalism: System where kings and nobles granted land (fiefs) to vassals in exchange for service.
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Class Structure: King, lords/nobles, knights, peasants/serfs.
2.02: Rulers & Robes
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Famous Rulers: Clovis I, Charles Martel, Charlemagne.
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Vikings: Scandinavian warriors who influenced European culture.
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Alfred the Great: Reorganized military/government, promoted education.
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Otto I: United German feudal kingdoms, empowered Church authorities.
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Monasteries: Centers of religion and learning, preserved ancient texts, developed scholasticism.
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2.03: The Crusades
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Purpose: Military expeditions to reclaim the Holy Land from Muslim Turks.
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Major Crusades: First (successful), Second, Third (truce with Saladin), Fourth (sacked Constantinople), Final (disorganized).
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Impacts: Increased Church power, trade, coin currency, interest in spices/East Asia, spread of Islamic math/science, breakdown of feudalism.
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2.04: Medieval Arts & Literature
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Architecture: Romanesque (thick walls, small windows), Gothic (high ceilings, stained glass).
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Literature: "Beowulf," "The Canterbury Tales."
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Music: Gregorian chant, minstrels, troubadours.
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2.05: Guilds & A Changing Economy
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Urbanization: Development of towns.
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Guilds: Groups with common skills/interests for mutual benefit.
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Middle Class: Merchants, artisans, professionals.
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Economy: Coin currency, weight/measurement systems, usury.
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2.06: Developing a National Identity
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France: Hugh Capet, Joan of Arc.
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England: Alfred the Great, Magna Carta.
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Spain: Ferdinand and Isabella.
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2.07: East Asia – Medieval Japan
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Geography: Island nation with difficult governance.
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Cultural Influences: China (Buddhism, written language, government), Korea (terrace farming, horses).
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Social Hierarchy: Similar to Europe but with differences in land ownership.
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Arts: Noh Theater, Zen Gardens.
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Literature: "Tale of Genji," Waka poetry.
2.08: Europe & Japan: Comparative History
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Similarities: Both had feudal systems with lords and vassals, centered on castles, and hired warriors (knights in Europe, samurai in Japan).
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Differences: Land ownership—lords owned land in Europe, peasants owned land in Japan.
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