HIS 101
Feudalism Paragraph Assignment

 

 

When I teach HIS 101 on campus, I always end up showing the movie Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975).  Although a great comedy--one which I have seen scores of times--it also has some of the best satirical portrayals of some aspects of life in medieval England, for example, the trial by ordeal (weight of a duck scene), the French castle in England (remember William the Conqueror and his army were "Frenchmen"), the peasants mucking about in the muck (wondering how Arthur had become their king) and, of course, the quest for the Holy Grail.  Photo Credit.

The Quest for the Grail
 
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Read the Feudal document excerpt (along with the study questions and the study notes for the assignment and the information about feudalism).  Answer the following question in a paragraph:

Citing specific evidence from the feudal document (not from the textbook), what did this document reveal about medieval society? (This is an amazing document.  If you look at each word or phrase closely, you can discover much information.  You can begin by analyzing the first word, "Lawday.") 

Your paragraph must follow this format:

  • begin with a concise topic sentence (sentence 1) that directly responds to the assigned question (no need to define terms or cite a dictionary) and that identifies your analysis/thesis points.
  • font size 10 or 12 only
  • one-inch margins
  • double-spaced
  • direct, quoted material to support your points
  • name, and only your name, at the top left of the paper
  • about one-half page in length (not to exceed 3/4 page)
  • You may consider submitting a draft of your assignment to your instructor for feedback before submitting the assignment for the grade. At times, you may be asked to rewrite your work. This is done for your own benefit and will result in an improved grade.

Please take a moment to review Charlie's History Writing Center for specific information on the writing requirements for the assignments in the course. Please check this short explanation of what it means to cite historical evidence.

Your assignment should be submitted on Canvas.

 

 

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