This paper deals with the spaces, methods and contents of learning and studying in medieval England.
About 120 schools are known to have existed in England during the period between the Norman Conquest in 1066 and the Reformation in 1517 (Orme 1976: XI). However, such numbers must remain vague and can only offer limited insight into medieval English learning. This is partly due to the relatively low amount of source material, but also the wide range of highly differing institutions which were all referred to with the term “school” (c.f. ibid.: 2f). Still, some distinctions can be made and similarities can be found in almost all medieval English schools, mostly involving the curricula, manners of education and the people teaching at and attending schools. Additionally, academic institutions had a high social impact on their respective surroundings (c.f. ibid.: 32f).
Grant pleads against the underestimation of medieval scientific knowledge by stating that, “contrary to prevailing opinion, the roots of modern science were planted in the ancient and medieval world long before the Scientific Revolution” (Grant: I). Similar to detecting distinct school-forms, the respective fields of medieval science are hard to define; there was medical as well as artistic and literary knowledge and science did not necessarily involve a strict reading of the Bible (c.f. ibid.: 33f, 22). Interestingly enough, English was not as commonly used in scientific contexts as it is today – the language of science was Latin and therefore its most important basis (c.f. Taavitsainen a. Pahta 2004: XV). Many ancient manuscripts were not only rediscovered, but also translated and adapted, providing medieval scholars with thought-provoking impulse (c.f. Horobin a. Smith 2002: 167). Still, most of these sources were heavily fragmented and religious schools and monasteries remained the rather enclosed centers of knowledge (c.f. ibid. & Grant: 22).
Table of Contents
- Schools and Education
- Types of schools
- The Curriculum
- Distinguishing schools
- A usual school day
- Schools and Education
- Science and Research
- Scientific Sources and Topics
- Scientific Writing
- Science versus Religion
- Science and Medicine, Science and Nature
- Science and Research – a conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This text provides a comprehensive overview of learning and science in medieval England, focusing on the period between the Norman Conquest and the Reformation. It aims to explore the various types of schools, the curriculum, and the broader social impact of education during this era. Additionally, the text delves into the development of scientific knowledge, research practices, and the relationship between science and religion in medieval England.
- The evolution of schools and education in medieval England
- The curriculum and pedagogy of medieval schools
- The social impact of education in medieval England
- The development of science and research in medieval England
- The relationship between science and religion in medieval England
Chapter Summaries
The first chapter, "Schools and Education," examines the different types of schools that existed in medieval England, including secular schools, private secular schools, and schools of religious orders. It discusses the curriculum, teaching methods, and the social role of education. The chapter also explores the challenges of distinguishing between different types of schools due to limited source material and the evolving nature of educational institutions.
The second chapter, "Science and Research," delves into the development of scientific knowledge, research practices, and the interaction between science and religion in medieval England. It explores the sources and topics of scientific inquiry, the methods of scientific writing, and the ongoing debate between scientific and religious perspectives. The chapter concludes by examining the relationship between science and medicine, science and nature, and the overall significance of scientific research in this period.
Keywords
The primary keywords and focus topics of this text include medieval education, schools, curriculum, pedagogy, science, research, scientific sources, scientific writing, science and religion, and the social impact of education. The text explores these themes within the context of English history, emphasizing the period between the Norman Conquest and the Reformation.
- Citar trabajo
- Lena Meyer (Autor), 2014, Education, Science and Research in Medieval England, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/299327
