Late Medieval Period
Session 1: Introduction to the Late Medieval Period

Materials

• Teacher-developed pre-test
• Map of modern-day Europe
• Overhead transparencies of modern-day European map and medieval European map
• Text
• Teacher-selected reading, worksheet, or activity

Instructional Activities

1. Administer and discuss pre-test.
   
   
2. Have students consider the following question:
   
   How have countries changed, both physically and culturally, over time?
   
   NOTE: Prompt students with ways that the United States has changed.
   
   
3. Distribute a map of modern Europe for students to complete. Students should fill in countries, bodies of water, and mountain chains. Then distribute a blank map of Europe and instruct students to color the countries of France, Spain, England, and Russia.
   
   
4. After students have completed the map activities, review the basic geography of Europe, using a modern-day map on the overhead. Afterward, overlay a medieval European map (or use a pull down map, if available) to show how Europe looked in the Middle Ages. Encourage students to identify the differences and similarities between the two views of Europe.
   
   
5. Assign a teacher-selected reading, worksheet, or other reinforcement activity, using available teacher resources.
   
   
6. Assign one of the following activities for completion during this organizing topic:
   •    Compare political and physical maps to determine the impact of physical geography on the formation of nation states.
   •    Complete a chart that displays the leaders and their accomplishments (political, economic, and military) for England, France, Spain, and Russia.
   •    Read and discuss a primary source on the Black Plague.
   •    Read Pope Urban’s speech at the start of the Crusades, and discuss the different perspectives of Christians and Muslims.