Grade 7 Lesson at a Glance: Chapter 10, Lesson 2

Houghton Mifflin Social Studies
Across the Centuries

Lesson at a Glance
Chapter 10, Lesson 2: Daily Life in Feudal Europe (pp. 262-270)

The Big Idea
Framework Concept: Interdependence The feudal system brought order to the economy and social life of the Middle Ages, structuring the allegiance, duties, and work of each class of people and making them dependent on one another for protection and survival.

Write the word "interdependence" on the board. Then ask students to consider who or what they depend on for their survival and protection from harm. What or who ensures that they have food to eat? What or who is responsible for keeping the streets safe? What happens to society when these people stop doing their jobs or institutions break down? Tell students that during the Middle Ages in Europe, the system of feudalism was established because the old order had broken down and a new way to protect people and ensure survival had to be created.

Lesson Outline
Use the Lesson Outline to preview the content of the lesson. You may wish to print it for your students as a guide during reading.

Check for Understanding

Ask students to write a paragraph or two explaining the system of feudalism using the following Key Terms: monastery, hierarchy, fief, vassal, oath of fealty, knight, homage, manor, serf, and guild.
Ask students to create a drawing or diagram that depicts that relationships between people of the European Middle Ages. Make sure their drawings include a king, lords and ladies, knights, clergy, merchants, and serfs.

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