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Medieval History, Heroes, and Legends with Prof. Dorsey Armstrong
The enduring legacy of the Middle Ages includes extraordinary advances in philosophy, science, literature, and more, and this period also produced some of the Western cultures most beloved and influential legends—ones that continue to resonate with modern audiences. Join Great Courses Professor Dorsey Armstrong, on December 16 at 1 PM ET to discover the thinkers, stories, and champions who profoundly influenced the medieval and subsequent eras.
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Good afternoon, and thank you all for joining us today as we discuss Medieval History, Heroes, and Legends with our esteemed guest, Professor Dorsey Armstrong from Purdue University. At this time, our chat is now open and you may begin sending your questions to Professor Armstrong by clicking on the Submit a Question button. -
Welcome, everyone! I’m excited to answer your questions! (Although I’m afraid I DON’T know the actual location of the Holy Grail, alas.) -
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How was knowledge disseminated before the printing press? Or was it?
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Important texts were copied by hand--usually by monks in monasteries--and then the manuscripts would be circulated among learned or religious communities, and often read aloud. Literacy was less than 10%, so most information was disseminated orally.
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Professor Armstrong and her husband at Stonehenge.
Professor Armstrong at Stonehenge.
Professor Armstrong at Tintagel Castle.
Professor Armstrong at Tintagel Castle.1 of 4
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Thank you for making the "dark" ages a lot more light than it seemed when I studied it in school. Why do you think this incredibly lengthy and varied period has such a dim reputation?
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What are your thoughts about Ardrey's notion that Arthur was a pagan from the north who subsequent church writers "converted" to a Christian from the south?
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Why is the chat not running, doesn't run in California?
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I love your Great Courses lectures! My mom and I watch them all the time!!!
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Has the discovery of Richard the III's burial site and the analysis of his remains brought any new revelations of the man and his deeds?
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Learn about "the dark ages" in "Medieval World"
King Arthur and his knights are ingraned in our modern culture. Learn more with "King Arthur: History and Legend"1 of 3
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What... is the air-speed velocity of an unladen swallow?
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Modern Arthurian Legend | King Arthur: History and Legend | The Great Courses
by Dave Sanders via YouTube 12/16/2015 6:15:19 PM -
I'm a 7th grader doing a school project on medieval cathedrals; what do you think is the most important thing to include?
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What advice would you give to a new writer? I've spent over 30 years in the Information Technology field and now I would like to pursue writing. I have found that writing everyday for about 15-30 minutes (500 words) works best for me as opposed to
thinking about something specific or making an outline. -
I listened to multiple of your courses and enjoyed them all. Before the Teaching Company my only historical knowledge was Judaic, glad you also covered those topics.
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We are receiving an abundance of questions for Professor Armstrong, please wait patiently as she answers them. Thanks for joining today.
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Professor Armstrong at the site of Arthur and Guenevere's tomb at Glastonbury Abbey
Professor Armstrong with best friend and her husband at the top of Glastonbury Tor1 of 2
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Are you familiar with Rodney Stark's writings on the Middle Ages? The Dark Ages were not dark (a big Armstrong theme! :) Capitalism started way before 1800. When do you believe "capitalism" started and where?
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Love your courses too! I am an early middle ages junky and can't get enough. I recognize that era sported wood, not stone building that did not last, and I recognize that there wasn't much literacy to inform us, but I would love to know what daily life was like. What did they eat and drink? What did their clothes look like? How often did they take a bath? What was their general health like? If they got a toothache, what did they do? -
How did you decide on the Middle Ages as your field of study? Were you always interested in that time period? Was there a particular event or book that inspired you?
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Without methods of telling time, how were arrangements made for meeting, assembling groups of people, &c.
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People need heroes and legends. People are resilient, but civilizations are fragile. How can we turn the need for heroes and legends to the service of strengthening civilization?
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If you are having trouble seeing Professor Armstrong's responses, please try refreshing your browsers. Thank you.
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Arthurian scholar, Professor Dorsey Armstrong, runs Academic Content Supervisor, Jessica Darago, through with her broadsword. Lesson learned: don't mess with Medieval (literature) professors.
The Great Courses is not responsible for cuts or stabs while enjoying Professor Armstrong's lectures. Watch at your own risk.
Professor Armstrong on set.1 of 3
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It is said that the Renaissance reflected a revival of Classical learning and values. What precipitated that revival in the High Middle Ages?
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Knight Class | Great Minds of the Medieval World | The Great Courses
by Dave Sanders via YouTube 12/16/2015 6:42:36 PM -
Which modern novels about the Medieval Period have you enjoyed, Arthurian and other?
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Join Professor Armstrong on a tour through Medieval History! Learn more about Scholarly Sojourns here.
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given the fact that most people were illiterate; does this not favor those of us who live past the period in the sense, that the great works of art depicting so many biblical stories might not have been created if they were not necessary to service a people who could not read.
I also say.........good comes from bad -
DeleteEdit ImageReorderLearn how to develop your literary voice with Professor Armstrong in "Analysis and Critique: How to Engage and Write about Anything"
Who were the "Great Minds of the Medieval World," and what made them so great? Learn more here.
Learn how to develop your literary voice with Professor Armstrong in "Analysis and Critique: How to Engage and Write about Anything"1 of 3
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What new courses are you working on for The Teaching Company?
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C'est Moi | King Arthur: History and Legend | The Great Courses
by Dave Sanders via YouTube 12/16/2015 6:52:25 PM -
In your lecture on Arthur in Hollywood, you mentioned a new film being made that just might have some semblance of historical accuracy. Any updates about the film?
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Professor Armstrong has graciously agreed to extend the Professor Chat for another one half hour!
