Why might words change over time?
What issues might you encounter trying to research disability in a historical time period?
Description: "John Green teaches you about the so-called Dark Ages, which it turns out weren't as uniformly dark as you may have been led to believe. While Europe was indeed having some issues, many other parts of the world were thriving and relatively enlightened. John covers European Feudalism, the cultural blossoming of the Islamic world, and the scientific and artistic advances in China, all during these "Dark Ages." Along the way, John will raise questions about the validity of Europe's status as a continent, reveal the best and worst years of his life, and frankly state that science and religion were once able to coexist."
What were your preconceptions about the Middle Ages? Where did they come from?
What were your preconceptions about medieval disability? Where did they come from?
While listening to the radio show episode, take notes on the following: What ideas mentioned interest you? Is there anything that surprises you? What words stand out to you? Do you have questions about anything or does anything confuse you?
What might have been the social implications of normalizing disability in Geel, Belgium?
How might we represent medieval mental disability and invisible disabilities in general in spaces like museums?
Explore this photo album from Leicester Cathedral, Richard III Visitor Center, and Bosworth Battlefield. How is disability represented?
Explore: "Plagues and Peoples: Health and Disease in Medieval Europe" (An Online Hub for Medieval Medical History)
Read: "Medieval mobility aids," Wellcome Collection Inside Our Collections
Read: Krista A. Murchison, "Guide Dogs in Medieval Art and Writing"
What did you learn from the images of technologies and treatments?
What is the difference between a practical and a cosmetic prosthetic?
What did you learn about medieval disability? Have your preconceptions changed?
What further questions do you have about medieval disability at this point?
What topic do you want to research more?