Compares the adequacy of three historical interpretations of the late Medieval period (crisis, cultural decay, and transformation), in describing the phenomena of continuity and change. The author concludes that the first two interpretations are too limited to encompass the cultural diversity which later metamorphosed into the Renaissance. (AM)

Conducting potency tests on penicillin, discussing rocket technology with a NASA astronaut, analysing animal bone fragments from medieval times, these are just some of the activities which occupy the time of students at The Irish Centre for Talented Youth. The Centre identifies young students with exceptional academic ability and then provides…

The expectations and demands with respect to teaching and research have been changing for universities due to changes in their institutional environments. Born out of changing national research policies and modern governance arrangements, efficiency, effectiveness and output-oriented cultures have become increasingly important. In this article we…

Written by the director of the Laboratory for the History of Education under the Academy of Pedagogical Sciences in Moscow, this article documents the status of historical research on schooling in medieval Russia. (JDH)

An examination of how St. Thomas Aquinas makes use of science in his theological works provides an understanding of the relations of medieval science and the Christian theology of the Middle Ages. Two issues are examined: the problem of the nature and existence of God and the question of the eternity of the world. (RM)

The tour was the outcome of a suggestion from an adult education class in medieval history. Plans for 25 tour members included air fare, accommodations, coach, driver, and multilingual hostess for 35 days on the continent plus nine days in England. (AG)

Examines how the concept of justness influenced the conduct of wars in the early Middle Ages. The author offers a new interpretation of Gregory of Tours' perspective on war as found in his "Historia Francorum." (AM)

The Crusades are among the few medieval events with which most students have familiarity. However, during these days of heightened tensions in the Middle East, for many the Crusades have taken on an urgency as a distant historical phenomenon that speaks powerfully to present religious and political concerns. This helps explain why in 2005, two…

This article, presented as a dialogue between the authors, explores what they perceive as critical areas of teaching and learning in the discipline of Medieval Studies. Within the discussion, notions of relevance and usefulness, widening access, and epistemological assumptions about the discipline are discussed and related to the practice of…

Numerous examples of the origin of surnames in medieval England from patronymics, nicknames, trade names, villages, and home sites suggest a key for interesting students in the social upheavals that evolved from the Norman Conquest and the later rise of cities. (JH)

Reviews "newscasts from the past," a six-part series of videotapes designed to make medieval history come alive for high school students. Includes ordering information and the results of a survey (n = 363) designed to assess student reactions to the format and content. (JDH)

Presents activity ideas for using the 11th century Bayeux tapestry in middle and senior high schools. Suggestions for obtaining a reproduction of the tapestry and integrating writing activities are included. (JDH)

The evolution of diplomatic practices during the early Middle Ages is discussed. Research suggests that some techniques and methods began much earlier than most historians have assumed. Diplomatic efforts of Otto the Great, king of Germany, 936-973, and Holy Roman Emperor, 962-973, were studied. (RM)

The creation of banners in an art project for students involved in a social studies unit concerning the Middle Ages is described. (CB)