Genius Edition
Finished the Quest early? You are clearly ready for the Genius Edition: a special debate challenge!
The beginning of the Middle Ages were called the "Dark Ages" by historians for many years. The historian Petrarch started using the phrase "Dark Ages" to describe the Middle Ages in the 1300s, after his beloved wife died of the Black Plague. The name stuck because Europeans viewed the Middle Ages as a time when art, learning, science, and culture was lost.
Your task as a genius is to determine if the nickname "The Dark Ages" is appropriate for the middle ages. Was the Middle Ages really so bad? Was there any learning, art, and culture alive during the Middle Ages? Does it really deserve such a harsh name?
If you complete your preparation, you will be given the chance to debate with fellow geniuses about whether the Middle Ages should be called the "Dark Ages" or not. Debates will be held on Friday, Feb 9 - during Enrichment.
Debate topic: Should the Middle Ages be called the "Dark Ages" or not?
Step 1: Read and take notes on at least 4 of the sources linked below. You must also choose at least 2 topics from the notes to help support your side. When taking notes, you should determine whether the source proves that the "Dark Ages" is an appropriate term or not, and write down any evidence that supports the argument.
Medicine in the Middle Ages: BBC: Medieval knowledge about the body and disease
Science in the Middle Ages: Kidipede: Medieval Science
Feudal Life, Religion, Homes, Clothing, Health, Arts & Entertainment, Town Life: Learner.org: Life in the Middle Ages
Black Plague: PBS: Mystery of the Black Plague
Architecture: Kidepede: Medieval Architecture
Step 2: Decide whether you think the "Dark Ages" was an appropriate term for the Middle Ages or not. If you are not sure, look back at the evidence you have collected. You may find that you have more evidence for one side, or you may find that evidence on one side is stronger than the other.
Step 3: Prepare for the debate by preparing arguments for or against the use of the term "Dark Ages". Type the arguments that you will present to the class so you are well-prepared and professional. The key to a strong argument is solid evidence, so provide as much evidence as possible. You should also make sure to explain why your evidence supports your argument.
Here is an example of one argument you might make:
The "Dark Ages" is not an appropriate term for the Middle Ages. The term "Dark Ages" suggests that nothing new or advanced occurred, but that is incorrect. We learned from our notes that in 1215, King John was forced to sign the Magna Carta and limit the power of the King. The Magna Carta forced the King to allow nobles to participate in government. Although a true democracy was not created, the Magna Carta opened the door to democracy in England by forcing the King to give some of the people a say in their government. The signing of the Magna Carta may have been a "dark" moment for the King, but it was a moment of great success for the citizens of England. Clearly the Middle Ages was not all dark.
Step 4: Make a list of what you think the other side might argue and what evidence they might use. Then begin to think about how you can criticize their best arguments by using other evidence, or thinking about their evidence in a different way. You may do some of your own online research to help you prepare.
The beginning of the Middle Ages were called the "Dark Ages" by historians for many years. The historian Petrarch started using the phrase "Dark Ages" to describe the Middle Ages in the 1300s, after his beloved wife died of the Black Plague. The name stuck because Europeans viewed the Middle Ages as a time when art, learning, science, and culture was lost.
Your task as a genius is to determine if the nickname "The Dark Ages" is appropriate for the middle ages. Was the Middle Ages really so bad? Was there any learning, art, and culture alive during the Middle Ages? Does it really deserve such a harsh name?
If you complete your preparation, you will be given the chance to debate with fellow geniuses about whether the Middle Ages should be called the "Dark Ages" or not. Debates will be held on Friday, Feb 9 - during Enrichment.
Debate topic: Should the Middle Ages be called the "Dark Ages" or not?
Step 1: Read and take notes on at least 4 of the sources linked below. You must also choose at least 2 topics from the notes to help support your side. When taking notes, you should determine whether the source proves that the "Dark Ages" is an appropriate term or not, and write down any evidence that supports the argument.
Medicine in the Middle Ages: BBC: Medieval knowledge about the body and disease
Science in the Middle Ages: Kidipede: Medieval Science
Feudal Life, Religion, Homes, Clothing, Health, Arts & Entertainment, Town Life: Learner.org: Life in the Middle Ages
Black Plague: PBS: Mystery of the Black Plague
Architecture: Kidepede: Medieval Architecture
Step 2: Decide whether you think the "Dark Ages" was an appropriate term for the Middle Ages or not. If you are not sure, look back at the evidence you have collected. You may find that you have more evidence for one side, or you may find that evidence on one side is stronger than the other.
Step 3: Prepare for the debate by preparing arguments for or against the use of the term "Dark Ages". Type the arguments that you will present to the class so you are well-prepared and professional. The key to a strong argument is solid evidence, so provide as much evidence as possible. You should also make sure to explain why your evidence supports your argument.
Here is an example of one argument you might make:
The "Dark Ages" is not an appropriate term for the Middle Ages. The term "Dark Ages" suggests that nothing new or advanced occurred, but that is incorrect. We learned from our notes that in 1215, King John was forced to sign the Magna Carta and limit the power of the King. The Magna Carta forced the King to allow nobles to participate in government. Although a true democracy was not created, the Magna Carta opened the door to democracy in England by forcing the King to give some of the people a say in their government. The signing of the Magna Carta may have been a "dark" moment for the King, but it was a moment of great success for the citizens of England. Clearly the Middle Ages was not all dark.
Step 4: Make a list of what you think the other side might argue and what evidence they might use. Then begin to think about how you can criticize their best arguments by using other evidence, or thinking about their evidence in a different way. You may do some of your own online research to help you prepare.