Week of April 26: Weekly Final

        During the middle ages, two new major styles of architecture arose in Europe.  These styles, Romanesque and Gothic, were influenced by war, economics, and social relations at the time.  The reasoning behind these styles is also because of the religious beliefs and theology of the Middle Ages.  Traces of these styles and their religious meaning can be seen all over Europe, in the many cathedrals built during this era.  The religious theological views of this time in European history included contrary beliefs regarding the construction of church buildings in relation to God and the soul; Romanesque and Gothic style cathedrals of this time 

heavily express these theological views, as their influence is extremely prominent in each style of architecture.  

          A major physical focus of the Romanesque architectural style is the towers that rise high above the church building.  During times of war, archers were able to use these towers to shoot arrows at enemies on the ground.  The Gurk Cathedral in Austria, which was built in the twelfth century, illustrates the presence of these towers, as well as the great resource they provided for archers during times of war (Figure 1).  Also, the Gurk Cathedral, like all Romanesque cathedrals, appears as though it was constructed to be a fortress.  A common belief at the time was that the soul was to be protected by a fortress-like structure.  A cathedral with a style contrasting to that of the Gurk Cathedral is the Bruxelles Notre Dame du Sablon of Belgium.  Bruxelles Notre Dame du Sablon is a Gothic cathedral, which generally has large stained glass windows and a much different looking exterior than a Romanesque cathedral.  Very elegant and elaborate styles are found are the façade of the cathedral (Figure 2).  Also, the enormous windows found in this style of cathedrals were installed to let the light of God into the church building.

            The Romanesque architectural style can not only be found on the exterior of these cathedrals, but also the interior.  Saint Gertrude Collegiate Church in Wallonia is a wonderful example of interior Romanesque design.  The large, open, cold-looking interior of this eleventh century church adds to the fortress look for which cathedrals at the time strived (Figure 3).  The wooden beams on the ceiling, as well as the stone used to construct the walls, also adds to this look.  Religiously, this church interior definitely represents a fortress for the soul.  Kylemore Neo-Gothic Church of Ireland illustrates a very Gothic styled interior.  The windows here are much larger than those of the interior of Saint Gertrude Collegiate Church, which leads to the increased flow of light into the church (Figure 4).  This connects to letting the light of God enter the church, rather than blocking it off through thick walls and a minimal amount of windows in Romanesque churches.

            Another example of religious theology in Romanesque styled cathedrals is Saint George at Rip Church in the Czech Republic.  Just from observing the façade of this church, the features unique to the Romanesque architectural style can be clearly seen.  Only five windows are seen on the façade.  The few windows on the building are high off the ground, which connects back to the issue of protection during war at the time of this church’s construction (Figure 5).  Also, this church exemplifies major fortress-like qualities.  With its cylindrical and virtually windowless structures, Saint George at Rip barely looks like a church.  This truly represents the significance of judgment day and fortifying the soul.  An extremely Gothic cathedral constructed during this era is Duomo di Milano of Italy.  Duomo di Milano is a much later Gothic style cathedral, as construction on it was completed in the nineteenth century (Figure 6).  Elaborately constructed architectural features are very present on the façade of the cathedral.  Small towers reach upward from the building, while very large windows are spaced between them.  This allows for an abundance of light to enter the church.  Also, the elaborateness of the building may show some sort of glorification to God.  This Gothic church definitely shows a direct relation to the theological beliefs of the time.

            All of these cathedrals, from all over Europe, show a direct relation to the religious theological beliefs and views of the time.  The issues of the era, as well as the beliefs of the people of that era, helped to form the meaning behind the Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles.  Each cathedral contributes its own uniqueness to the overall style of architecture (Romanesque or Gothic).   This being said, however, the foundation of styles on which each form of architecture is based remains very similar.  Romanesque and Gothic cathedrals, including their styles and features, reflect the religious theological beliefs and views of the people of time.

           

Appendix

Figure 1: Gurk Cathedral

 

Figure 2: Bruxelles Notre Dame du Sablon

Figure 3: St. Gertrude Collegiate Church

Figure 4: Kylemore Neo-Gothic Church

Figure 5: Saint George at Rip

Figure 6: Duomo di Milano

Bibliography

Gurk Cathedral, façade, 12^th century,http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gurk_Cathedral.jpg, photograph taken in 2007

Bruxelles Notre Dame du Sablon, façade, 15^th and 16^th centuries,http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bruxelles_Notre-Dame_du_Sablon.jpg, photograph taken in 2010

St. Gertrude Collegiate Church, interior, 11^th century,http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Nivelles_JPG00_(13).jpg, photograph taken in 2009

Kylemore Neo-Gothic Church, interior, 14^th century,http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kylemore_Neo-Gothic_Church_Interior.JPG, photograph taken in 2006

Saint George at Rip, façade, http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rotunde-of-St.-George-at-Rip.jpeg, photograph taken in 2005

Duomo di Milano, façade, 19^th century,http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:MailaenderDom.jpg, photograph taken in 2002

Week of April 26 Weekly: Wednesday Peer Review

            During the middle ages, two new major styles of architecture arose in Europe.  These styles, Romanesque and Gothic, were influenced by war, economics, and social relations at the time.  The reasoning behind these styles is also because of the religious beliefs and theology of the Middle Ages.  Traces of these styles and their religious meaning can be seen all over Europe, in the many cathedrals built during this era.  The religious theological views of this time in European history included contrary beliefs regarding the construction of church buildings in relation to God and the soul; Romanesque and Gothic style cathedrals of this time heavily express these theological views, as their influence is extremely prominent in each style of architecture.  Romanesque and Gothic style cathedrals do not reflect the religious theological views which were common during this time period.

            A major physical focus of the Romanesque architectural style is the towers that rise high above the church building.  During times of war, archers were able to use these towers to shoot arrows at enemies on the ground.  The Gurk Cathedral in Austria, which was built in the twelfth century, illustrates the presence of these towers, as well as the great resource they provided for archers during times of war (Figure 1).  Also, the Gurk Cathedral, like all Romanesque cathedrals, appears as though it was constructed to be a fortress.  A common belief at the time was that the soul was to be protected by a fortress-like structure.  A cathedral with a style contrasting to that of the Gurk Cathedral is the Bruxelles Notre Dame du Sablon of Belgium.  Bruxelles Notre Dame du Sablon is a Gothic cathedral, which generally has large stained glass windows and a much different looking exterior than a Romanesque cathedral.  Very elegant and elaborate styles are found are the façade of the cathedral (Figure 2).  Also, the enormous windows found in this style of cathedrals were installed to let the light of God into the church building.

            The Romanesque architectural style can not only be found on the exterior of these cathedrals, but also the interior.  Saint Gertrude Collegiate Church in Wallonia is a wonderful example of interior Romanesque design.  The large, open, cold-looking interior of this eleventh century church adds to the fortress look for which cathedrals at the time strived (Figure 3).  The wooden beams on the ceiling, as well as the stone used to construct the walls, also adds to this look.  Religiously, this church interior definitely represents a fortress for the soul.  Kylemore Neo-Gothic Church of Ireland illustrates a very Gothic styled interior.  The windows here are much larger than those of the interior of Saint Gertrude Collegiate Church, which leads to the increased flow of light into the church (Figure 4).  This connects to letting the light of God enter the church, rather than blocking it off through thick walls and a minimal amount of windows in Romanesque churches.

            Another example of religious theology in Romanesque styled cathedrals is Saint George at Rip Church in the Czech Republic.  Just from observing the façade of this church, the features unique to the Romanesque architectural style can be clearly seen.  Only five windows are seen on the façade.  The few windows on the building are high off the ground, which connects back to the issue of protection during war at the time of this church’s construction (Figure 5).  Also, this church exemplifies major fortress-like qualities.  With its cylindrical and virtually windowless structures, Saint George at Rip barely looks like a church.  This truly represents the significance of judgment day and fortifying the soul.  An extremely Gothic cathedral constructed during this era is Duomo di Milano of Italy.  Duomo di Milano is a much later Gothic style cathedral, as construction on it was completed in the nineteenth century (Figure 6).  Elaborately constructed architectural features are very present on the façade of the cathedral.  Small towers reach upward from the building, while very large windows are spaced between them.  This allows for an abundance of light to enter the church.  Also, the elaborateness of the building may show some sort of glorification to God.  This Gothic church definitely shows a direct relation to the theological beliefs of the time.

            All of these cathedrals, from all over Europe, show a direct relation to the religious theological beliefs and views of the time.  The issues of the era, as well as the beliefs of the people of that era, helped to form the meaning behind the Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles.  Each cathedral contributes its own uniqueness to the overall style of architecture (Romanesque or Gothic).   This being said, however, the foundation of styles on which each form of architecture is based remains very similar.  Romanesque and Gothic cathedrals, including their styles and features, reflect the religious theological beliefs and views of the people of time.

           

Appendix

Figure 1: Gurk Cathedral

 

Figure 2: Bruxelles Notre Dame du Sablon

Figure 3: St. Gertrude Collegiate Church

Figure 4: Kylemore Neo-Gothic Church

Figure 5: Saint George at Rip

Figure 6: Duomo di Milano

Bibliography

Gurk Cathedral, façade, 12^th century, http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gurk_Cathedral.jpg, photograph taken in 2007

Bruxelles Notre Dame du Sablon, façade, 15^th and 16^th centuries, http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bruxelles_Notre-Dame_du_Sablon.jpg, photograph taken in 2010

St. Gertrude Collegiate Church, interior, 11^th century, http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Nivelles_JPG00_(13).jpg, photograph taken in 2009

Kylemore Neo-Gothic Church, interior, 14^th century, http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kylemore_Neo-Gothic_Church_Interior.JPG, photograph taken in 2006

Saint George at Rip, façade, http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rotunde-of-St.-George-at-Rip.jpeg, photograph taken in 2005

Duomo di Milano, façade, 19^th century, http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:MailaenderDom.jpg, photograph taken in 2002

Week of April 11 Weekly Final

            The Roman Empire was arguably one of the greatest civilizations ever to be established in ancient human history.  The Roman Empire, however, came to an end, as all civilizations eventually will.  Many scholars and historians argue today over the events that took place as the Roman Empire came to an end.  Some argue that the Empire fell completely, while others say that Rome gradually dissolved and spawned other civilizations.  The Roman Empire did not fall, but gradually dissolved and evolved into what would become the Western Roman Empire and the Byzantine Empire. 
                     One of the results of the Roman Empire’s dissolution was the Western Roman Empire.  Heather, 2011 states, “The Roman Empire in western Europe - a centralized superstate which had been in existence for 500 years - had ceased to exist, its single emperor replaced by upwards of a dozen kings and princes.”  The western part of the Roman Empire was overtaken by Germanic kings and princes.  This Germanic-governed area did not form independently.  It could not have existed without the dissolution of the Roman Empire.  This newly governed area was a remnant of the original Roman Empire.

            Another result of the dissolution of the Roman Empire was the formation of the Byzantine Empire.  “For the Byzantines were the Roman Empire, not simply a continuation of it in the East. The capital city, Constantinople, had been founded as the capital of Rome by the Emperor Constantine, but a uniquely Greek or Byzantine character to the Roman Empire can be distinguished as early as Diocletian,” says Hooker, 1996.  The Eastern Roman Empire was the foundation for the Byzantine Empire’s creation.  Some culture and character of the Byzantine Empire could be seen in the Eastern part of the Roman Empire even before the Byzantine Empire was ever established.  Many characteristics of the Byzantine Empire were actually already existent in the Eastern Roman Empire.  This shows the direct connection that the Eastern Roman Empire and the Byzantine Empire shared.

            The Byzantine Empire did not spontaneously form.  A gradual transformation of what officially was the Eastern Roman Empire allowed for its creation.  BBC, 2007 says, “The move to the east brought with it a gradual change of language from Latin to Greek; this, along with the new religion, changed the whole character of the Empire. When, a century later, Italy and the lands to the west were invaded by 'barbarians' and Rome was taken, the Empire suddenly shrank and became a smaller, more eastern empire.”  The Byzantine Empire had a new character to it, which was most definitely influenced by the area’s former capacity as part of the original Roman Empire. There was a gradual change from Latin to Greek in the Byzantine Empire.  The Roman Empire had mandated that everyone spoke Latin, as that was the official language of the Roman Empire; however, since the Byzantine Empire developed on the foundation of the Eastern Roman Empire, Greek soon became a popular language in the area.  Over time, the Eastern Roman Empire evolved into the Byzantine Empire, developing its own official language and culture as a new empire.

            The Western Roman Empire, which was ruled by Germanic kings and princes, and the Byzantine Empire were both the result of the dissolution of the Roman Empire.  The West developed from the Roman Empire and into something different, as did the East.  The Roman Empire no longer officially existed; however, the remnants of the Empire allowed for the creation of the Western Roman and Byzantine Empires.  Because it did not fall at once, the Roman Empire’s gradual dissolution allowed for the creation of these two empires.

Works Cited

BBC, . (2007, January 26). Byzantium overview. Retrieved from         http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A13970621

Heather, P. (2011, February 17). The fall of rome. Retrieved from         http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/romans/fallofrome_article_01.      shtml

Hooker, R. (1996). The byzantine empire. Retrieved from         http://www.wsu.edu:8080/~dee/MA/BYZ.HTM

           

Week of April 11 Daily: Wednesday Peer

            The Roman Empire was arguably one of the greatest civilizations ever to be established in ancient human history.  The Roman Empire, however, came to an end, as all civilizations eventually will.  Many scholars and historians argue today over the events that took place as the Roman Empire came to an end.  Some argue that the Empire fell completely, while others say that Rome gradually dissolved and spawned other civilizations.  The Roman Empire did not fall, but gradually dissolved and evolved into what would become the Western Roman Empire and the Byzantine Empire.  The Roman Empire fell, and did not dissolve gradually, eventually evolving into something else.

One of the results of the Roman Empire’s dissolution was the Western Roman Empire.  Heather, 2011 states, “The Roman Empire in western Europe - a centralized superstate which had been in existence for 500 years - had ceased to exist, its single emperor replaced by upwards of a dozen kings and princes.”  The western part of the Roman Empire was overtaken by Germanic kings and princes.  This Germanic-governed area did not form independently.  It could not have existed without the dissolution of the Roman Empire, as this area was a remnant of the original Empire.

            Another result of the dissolution of the Roman Empire was the formation of the Byzantine Empire.  “For the Byzantines were the Roman Empire, not simply a continuation of it in the East. The capital city, Constantinople, had been founded as the capital of Rome by the Emperor Constantine, but a uniquely Greek or Byzantine character to the Roman Empire can be distinguished as early as Diocletian,” says Hooker, 1996.  The Eastern Roman Empire was the foundation for the Byzantine Empire’s creation.  Some culture and character of the Byzantine Empire could be seen in the Eastern part of the Roman Empire even before the Byzantine Empire was ever established.  Many characteristics of the Byzantine Empire were actually already existent in the Eastern Roman Empire.  This shows the direct connection that the Eastern Roman Empire and the Byzantine Empire shared.

            The Byzantine Empire did not spontaneously form.  A gradual transformation of what officially was the Eastern Roman Empire allowed for its creation.  BBC, 2007 says, “The move to the east brought with it a gradual change of language from Latin to Greek; this, along with the new religion, changed the whole character of the Empire. When, a century later, Italy and the lands to the west were invaded by 'barbarians' and Rome was taken, the Empire suddenly shrank and became a smaller, more eastern empire.”  There was a gradual change from Latin to Greek in the Byzantine Empire.  The Roman Empire had mandated that everyone spoke Latin, as that was the official language of the Roman Empire; however, since the Byzantine Empire developed on the foundation of the Eastern Roman Empire, Greek soon became a popular language in the area.  Over time, the Eastern Roman Empire evolved into the Byzantine Empire, developing its own official language and culture as a new empire.

            The Western Roman Empire, which was ruled by Germanic kings and princes, and the Byzantine Empire were both the result of the dissolution of the Roman Empire.  The West developed from the Roman Empire and into something different, as did the East.  The Roman Empire no longer officially existed; however, the remnants of the Empire allowed for the creation of the Western Roman and Byzantine Empires.  Because it did not fall at once, the Roman Empire’s gradual dissolution allowed for the creation of these two empires.

Works Cited

BBC, . (2007, January 26). Byzantium overview. Retrieved from         http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A13970621

Heather, P. (2011, February 17). The fall of rome. Retrieved from         http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/romans/fallofrome_article_01.      shtml

Hooker, R. (1996). The byzantine empire. Retrieved from         http://www.wsu.edu:8080/~dee/MA/BYZ.HTM

           

h

Seneca Essay; Critiquing Practice

Bold: Supporting argument in each body paragraph

Underline: Thesis and supporting quotes in each body paragraph

Red: Opposing statement to prove thesis statement is an opinion

In life, when a person experiences something traumatic or enjoyable, they express emotion.  This emotion is a way to not only express feeling on the experience, but also deal with the experience itself.  It is believed, however, that emotions are better off not being expressed at all, and that focus and success in life is only achieved by going through life without any emotion towards things one encounters.  These beliefs are collected in a philosophy known as stoicism.  Stoicism is the belief that, when confronted with hardships, one must control one’s emotions; the events surrounding the death of Seneca are a perfect illustration of stoicism in action.  Given the definition of stoicism, which is the belief that when confronted with hardships, one must control one’s emotion, Seneca’s attitude and actions during the events of his death clearly did not demonstrate the philosophy of stoicism.

            Stoicism is demonstrated in The Death of Seneca is many ways.  Tacitus states, “Seneca, quite unmoved, asked for tablets on which to inscribe his will, and, on the centurion's refusal, turned to his friends, protesting that as he was forbidden to requite them, he bequeathed to them the only, but still the noblest possession yet remaining to him, the pattern of his life, which, if they remembered, they would win a name for moral worth and steadfast friendship.”  Here, Seneca is being told that he has been sentenced to death.  Traits of Seneca that majorly demonstrate stoicism are illustrated in this excerpt.  After being told that he was sentenced to death, Seneca did not react as he was probably expected to react.  If someone was told they were going to die, they would express many different emotions in response to this, rather than just moving on right away and continuing with their lives.  Seneca, however, did the exact opposite.  He did not seem to mind that he was being sentenced to death, or at least he did not explicitly show it.  He was worried about his will and what his friends would get of his after his death.  Even when being told he was going to die, Seneca continued to demonstrate stoic qualities.

            During his execution, Seneca failed to show any noticeable signs of pain and suffering.  It was as though he kept it all bottled up inside of him.  “Even at the last moment his eloquence failed him not; he summoned his secretaries, and dictated much to them which, as it has been published for all readers in his own words, I forbear to paraphrase,” Tacitus says.  Instead of showing his pain and other emotions that are expected during a forced death such as this, Seneca called in his secretaries and dictated something to them.  Substituting the natural reaction to such an experience was the passive and indifferent attitude of stoicism.  Even when faced with a terrible and horrifying experience, Seneca still managed to portray extremely stoical values.  This shows that one must demonstrate stoicism in all experiences one encounters.

           

             

           

Eleven Point Critique!

News Flash: Starting tomorrow, April 7th, we will stop doing dailies. Instead, we will be concentrating on the weekly essays. This week's rough draft we are finishing in class. From then on, every Wednesday you will have a rough draft due for Peer review (you'll receive participation credit: P/F for having the draft ready). On your rough draft, please underline the thesis statement and in a different color prove it is an opinion by writing the opposite side; underline one quote properly cited with in-text citations for each body paragraph; make bold your four-sentence analysis of each quote; analysis should explain how the quote serves to support your thesis. After peer review, a final draft will be due on Fri by Midnight.
Eleven-Point Critique (for peer reviews and grading of final drafts)

1. 5 paragraphs -- 5 to 7 sentences per paragraph.

2 Clear, coherent thesis statement expressing an opinion to be argued in the paper.

3. One quote or piece of sourcable evidence properly cited in APA format per body paragraph / proper in-text citation format

(author, date). APA format bibliography at end of paper. Use top-notch sources (BBC, Met Museum, Nat Geo, Internet History

Sourcebook, school-library based databases, etc.)

4. Four sentences per body paragraph analysis. This is your own analysis demonstrating how the evidence supports your thesis.

5. Solid conclusion demonstrating the validity of the argument.

6. Emphasis: Put strongest evidence in the fourth paragraph.

7. No 1st or 2nd person personal pronouns (I, we, us, me, my, myself, you, etc.)

8. Academic Tone: No slang, no contractions, make it coherent and readable.

9. Avoid generalizations -- give specific information; I'm not looking for you to write an "encyclopedia" article. I'm looking for

your ability to construct an academic argument.

10. Avoid unnecessary information: "more" quotes doesn't mean a "better" paper.

11. Original and honest writing voice and a creative and remarkable take on the subject.