Medieval Lord/Lady Project

The Middle Ages or Medieval Period in European history was a difficult time for most people. We, as historians, have the luxury of looking back with great curiosity and interest as we examine the political system, social structure, and daily life of citizens. It was often a bleak and violent time, but it has also been romanticized in popular culture (King Arthur, Robin Hood, chivalry, etc.) through poetry, stories, legends, songs and film. Add the superstitious element (dragons, wizards, witches, etc.) to Medieval peoples' belief systems and you have a wildly fascinating period of history to study.

The Medieval Lord/Lady Project
As we study Chapter 14: Europe in the Middle Ages, you will develop a greater understanding of the cause/effect relationships that formed this period. This individual project will consist of THREE parts, a map, a coat of arms and an original piece of historical fiction.

1. The Map
You are a prominent Medieval Lord or Lady. Your king has awarded you a manor (a large estate that includes farms, pastures, and an entire village). Use what you know about a typical Medieval manor from the text book and independent research to create a map of your manor. Your map should included the large manor house in which you live, the farms, livestock areas, church, village, houses for peasants and serfs, and any additional things essential to a functioning manor. Your map should have a title, compass, symbols and a key. This will be completed in your T.P. journal (SEE RUBRIC FOR EXACT DETAILS FOR ASSESSMENT).

2. The Coat of Arms
A coat of arms was originally used by feudal lords or knights on the battlefield as a way to distinguish themselves from enemy soldiers. Later, it became a tradition for other social classes such as noble people, religious leaders, peasants for use as a sort of family seal. Today, coat of arms can be found all over the world and used by individuals, families, countries, corporations, etc. Ultimately, it is simply a way to advertise what makes you unique or to celebrate history or tradition.
You will create a coat of arms for your own Medieval noble family. It should reflect your personal attributes and values that your family holds dear. It should, of course be an original design, include a traditional shield and should include a motto. Take a look at a variety of examples from the Medieval period for ideas. This will be completed in your T.P. journal (SEE RUBRIC FOR EXACT DETAILS FOR ASSESSMENT).

3. Original Historical Fiction
You need to write a fictional account of your experience as a Medieval lord or lady and how you manage  your manor. Be creative. Create interesting names, places and events, but the context should be historically accurate. There is no length requirement. This will be completed in your T.P. journal (SEE RUBRIC FOR EXACT DETAILS FOR ASSESSMENT).

ASSIGNMENT DUE DATE: To be determined (NOT BEFORE MAY 11)

Assessment Rubric (50 points total)

Map

1 point   _____     Title
1 point   _____     Key
1 point   _____     Symbols
1 point   _____     Compass
2 points  _____     Manor House
2 points  _____     Farm Fields
2 points  _____     Livestock Area
2 points  _____     Village (including peasant/serf homes)
2 points  _____     Two additional elements of your choice

Coat of Arms

2 points  _____     Shield
2 points  _____     Motto
2 points  _____     Symbolic attribute #1
2 points  _____     Symbolic attribute #2
2 points  _____     Use of color

Original Historical Fiction
You must mention the following items in your story.

2 points  _____      A brief family history (two details)
2 points  _____      The king you serve (two details)
4 points  _____      Describe how your manor system operates (four details)
2 points  _____      The Church (two details)
1 point    _____      Charlemagne
2 points   _____      A guild (two details)
2 points   _____      The middle class (two details)
1 point    _____       Chivalry
2 points   _____      The Crusades (two details)
2 points   _____      Overcrowding and disease
2 points   _____      The Magna Carta (two details)
2 points   _____       Joan of Arc
2 points   _____       Two Superstitious elements (dragons, magic, witches, etc.)

Ask for clarification if you have any questions. Take your time and enjoy this project!