Exploring the Manor System

Exploring the Manor System

Learning Objective

Understand the concept and functioning of the Manor System in medieval Europe.

What do you already know about the Manor System?

What is the Manor System?

The Manor System was a way of organizing society in the Middle Ages, centered around a self-sufficient estate owned by a lord.

Key Features of the Manor System

The system included the manor house, village, and surrounding lands. Serfs worked the land in exchange for protection and a place to live.

Interactive Element: Role Play

Divide the class into groups and assign them roles such as lord, serf, and craftsman. Have them act out interactions within the Manor System.

Economic Aspects

The Manor System was based on a feudal economy, with the lord controlling the land and resources, and serfs providing labor in exchange for protection and a share of the harvest.

Interactive Element: Quiz

Conduct a quick quiz to test understanding of the economic aspects of the Manor System, including the roles of the lord and the serfs.

Decline of the Manor System

Changes in agricultural practices, the growth of towns, and the Black Death contributed to the decline of the Manor System.

Interactive Element: Discussion

Facilitate a class discussion on the factors contributing to the decline of the Manor System and the implications for society.

Conclusion

Summarize the key points about the Manor System and its significance in medieval Europe.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.