8th Grade Medieval History of the Mediterranean and Western Europe

“But let his tutor remember the purpose of his duties, and impress upon his pupil the qualities of Hannibal and Scipio rather than the date of the fall of Carthage, and not so much where Marcellus died as why it was inconsistent with his duty that he should die there.  Let him be taught not so much the facts of history as how to judge them. It is, I believe, of all subjects the one to which our minds apply themselves in the most various ways.” -Montaigne

Instructor Information

• Mr. Smauley

• Email: nsmauley@areteprepacademy.org

• Arete Phone: (480) 222-4233

Course Description

This class will investigate the development of civilizations in the Mediterranean and Western Europe from the Roman Empire to the Late Middle Ages.  Consideration of both the distinguishing features of each civilization as well as themes that connect different groups/periods builds a foundation for the further exploration of history in the high school Humane Letters courses.

In the Fall semester we will explore the Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire, the beginnings of Christianity, the rise of the Byzantine and Islamic Civilizations, and the aftermath of the fall of the Western Roman Empire in Europe to ascertain a distinct emerging medieval culture.  In the Spring semester, we will continue looking at Medieval Western Europe, examining the emergence of key figures and their impact on the Medieval World including Charlemagne, Otto I, Pope Gregory VII, Elenor of Aquitaine and many others.  We will also closely examine emerging systems such as Feudalism, the Imperial Church, the Gregorian Reforms and the Merchant class and see how these systems affected the lives of Medieval people.  We end the year with our studies of the Crusades and the Late Middle Ages, setting the stage for the Modern Era.

Course Goals

1. To identify the difficulties and major points of contentions in periodizing the Middle Ages, and then to analyze and assess various continuities and discontinuities to establish what is distinctly medieval.  

2. To identify the major people, places, systems, classes and events during this period, and to evaluate how these helped shape the people of the medieval period.

3. To identify the origins and causes of such significant movements and entities as the Roman Empire, Christianity, Germanic Migrations, Islam, Feudalism, Religious Reform Movements and the Crusades, and to interpret their impact on Western Europe and the Mediterranean and how these set the stage for the modern era.

4. To examine the movements and changes of groups of people throughout time.

5. To work through the complex realities of cause and effect to better understand how events and movements are formed and the impact they have.

6. To cultivate specific skills, including: note taking, annotating texts, making written and oral arguments supported by evidence, interpret and analyze texts, quality engagement.  

7. To understand and appreciate aspects of culture distinctly different from our own, and to evaluate those values which are universal.

8. To create a historical lens which we can use to better understand the world around us.

Required Materials

• Notebook for notes

• Pencils/Blue or black pens

Tutoring

• Thursday and Friday during Lyceum in 207

Grading

Grades are a reflection of a student’s skills, class engagement, learning habits and behavior.  The grade is meant to be a benchmark for the teacher, students and parents on how the student is doing to emphasize where a student can work to grow.  Grades are not a determinant of the worth or intelligence of the student but rather the skills we are working on improving in class.  Grades are the responsibility of the student and they are to be aware of their current grade and seek how to improve it.

• Classwork (20%)

  • Students are expected to complete and turn in assignments when they are due.

  • Assignments in the classwork category typically include readings with several questions which are begun in class and finished as homework.

  • Smaller writing assignments or in-class work may also be included in this category.

• Participation (30%)

  • To get full credit students will be present and prepared for class, meet class expectations, engage in class discussion and show a sense of wonder and depth of inquiry, and show respect towards others, themselves and the physical space.

  • Students will complete a daily rubric to assess their participation in class.  This will be used to score their weekly participation.

  • Assignments in the Participation category typically included a weekly participation grade and seminar grades.

• Tests, Quizzes and Projects (50%)

  • Expect a multiple-choice quiz every Monday covering the material from the previous week

  • Expect a test about every 4 weeks.  

  • Projects will be discussed as they are assigned in class.

  • Larger writing assignments may also be included in this category.

  • A student must earn a 50% or higher in this category to pass the class regardless of their calculated grade.

Late Assignments

• I give full credit for all work turned in on time.

Absences

• If a student is absent it is their responsibility to promptly make up any work, quizzes or tests that they missed.  Absent assignments will remain a 0 in the grade book until they are made up.

• If a student is absent they are still to be held responsible for the material.  They can get notes from other students and can come to tutoring to cover material missed.

Class Expectations

The expectation is that students are in class and are prepared to learn and engage with the classwork and content.  Student behavior will be assessed within the Arete Framework; Treat others the way you would like to be treated, Align your behavior with Truth, Beauty and Goodness, and You have the liberty to make decisions so long as it doesn’t cause a problem for others.

• When the class period begins, students are to be quietly seated, working on the do now.

• Refrain from disruptive behaviors.  No cell phones or other distracting items are permitted in class. These items will be confiscated as per school policy.

• Honesty is expected at all times. Cheating will not be tolerated under any circumstances and any corresponding work that resulted from cheating will result in a zero grade and will follow school academic dishonesty policy.  

• The use of AI to create responses, write assignments or complete research work is strictly prohibited and is considered academic dishonesty.  As a result it will follow the same academic dishonesty policy.

• Treat yourself, your teachers, your peers, and our spaces with respect and dignity at all times.

• Harassment, intimidation and bullying will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

• You will be assigned a daily, weekly, quarterly and semester grade. This reflects your classroom attitude, cooperation, participation, tests and homework. Please be aware that your actions will be reflected in your quarter and semester grade.

• All issues, concerns, problems, or situations will be dealt with in accordance with the school policy.