Argues that the Dictamen (a formal and complex model for letter writing in Medieval times, prescribing a certain writing style and organization) disappeared slowly by attrition over 100 years prior to 1500, and that it was never universal. Supports this claim by examining the Cely papers, the largest surviving collection of merchant letters,…

The ancient world, as exemplified in the theoretical writings of the Greek and Roman rhetoricians, directly influenced the teaching and practice of dictamen as taught for business, for the church, and for law in the Middle Ages and into the Renaissance. Prescriptions on how to communicate in the ancient world formed the core of preparation for the…

Discussion of the film The Lovers" (Universal), shown in Barcelona as El senor de la guerra." Bronwyn is the young female protagonist in the story of the eleventh century Celts. (DS)

Summarizes traditional views about power relations in the workplace and their effects on writing. Tests these assumptions against medieval business correspondence and technical writing in the nuclear power industry. Discusses how these large-scale hierarchical organizational structures profoundly influence written communication. (RS)

Integrates a lesson on medieval European history with a class art project. Describes how students studied heraldry to design their own coat of arms and produce a relief sculpture shield depicting these arms. Lists materials needed and outlines the process of construction. (DSK)

Directions for a game which models the feudal system of 11th century Europe are presented for high school and college history courses. The game demonstrates the medieval dependency of social structure on land holdings and vassal obligations. It also permits the expression of personal ambition, with results dependent on the loyalty and…

One in a series of instructional units designed for gifted students, the booklet focuses on the arts in Greece, Rome, and the Medieval period. Narrative information on Greek pottery, sculpture, architecture, music, and dance is followed by lists of suggested activities for students and reference lists of texts and media. A similar unit on the…

Part One appeared in the Winter 1971/72 Indiana Social Studies Quarterly, SO 500 801. (JB)

Outlines briefly the organization and social role of the university in Europe during the Middle Ages. The author describes the evolution of the institutional structure from exclusively church-linked schools to self-administering educational bodies. (AM)

Greek mythology, Egyptian mummies, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City are the focus of a one-semester course given at the Sea Girt (New Jersey) Elementary School. It is an interdisciplinary program wherein students (grade 8) study ancient civilizations and do projects related to their studies. (KC)

The author looks at what and how women were taught in the castles, convents, towns and universities of medieval Europe. She also discusses the careers of seven notable nuns and abbesses, who were both exemplars of the scholarly woman and lasting influences on female education. (SJL)

One educator presents maritime history to students using technologies available to ancient seafarers. Techniques include dead reckoning, the sandglass, the magnetic compass, celestial navigation, and various navigation techniques of precontact Polynesia that depended upon oral transmission of knowledge. The paper notes differences between…

The origin and development of two African saints are discussed: Saint Maurice, patron saint of the eastern empire of Otto I; and Caspar, the youngest of the three Magi. Their representation in German art is described and illustrated. (Author/LB)