AP European History Summer Reading Assignment
The following assignment is based on the book A World Lit Only By Fire written by Willian Manchester. This assignment should be typed and is due the 1st day of class. No exceptions!
I. Define each of the following words making sure that your definitions agree with the context in which the word is used. Write a new sentence using each word appropriately. Page numbers have been provided to help find the appropriate sense of meaning.
eviscerated 36
emasculated 44
misogyny 70
lubricity 71
invested 71
cupidity 74
satyrical 74
admixture 79
comity 102
speciosity 104
vituperative 109
apostasy 113
parricide 125
irascible 137
salubrious 137
crepitation 139
derogating 162
sophistry 204
prerogative 206
panjandrums 268
venery 270
obloquy 288
indefatigable 299
II. In a well written paragraph explain what characteristics Manchester attributes to the medieval mind? How were these features manifested in the life of ordinary people as well as among the powerful and influential?
III. Select two of the following five options. Write a well written paragraph which provides a complete answer. Be certain that you answer all parts of each selected option.
1. The German princes and people supported Luther's reformation more for political and economic reasons than for religious ones. Explain - detailing examples from the book.
2. A split in the Catholic Church or a movement from reform was inevitable because of the abuses and worldliness of those who were its leaders and spokesmen. Assess the validity of this statement and support your answer from the reading.
3. According to prelate Alvaro Pelayo of Spain (1500's) "Wolves are in control of the church and feed on [Christian] blood!" Explain this quotation for the time period 1200-1517 and assess its validity.
4. Using the cartoon on page 200 as a starting and reference point, discuss the actions taken by the Catholic Church to institute reform and assess whether or not the Lutherans (source of the cartoon) are justified in their feeling. (Note: the 3 men in the cartoon are Cardinals and the painting behind the altar is of the Pope. Also, look on page 132).
5. Give specific thoughts, values and actions of Magellan, which caused Manchester to single him out as the exemplar of the Renaissance spirit. What is the contrast between the Renaissance spirit (Magellan) and the medieval mind (Chapter 1)?
IV. The last section of Chapter 1, The Medieval Mind, ends with a list of names (pg 27-28). Pick 3 of these names and explain why Manchester implies that these names are "dragons" lurking to destroy the medieval status quo (Explain each name in a separate paragraph of at least 8 sentences)
If you have any questions about the assignment, you may e-mail Jeremy.Morris@cobbk12.org
I will be in Europe June 29-July 8th and New York from July 16-24. If you email between these dates, please expect a delayed response. I will answer your questions when I return.