Chapter 13: Medieval Europe at its Height "Hildegard von Bingen"

Introduction
Students have read that much of medieval European life and culture was related to and regulated by the Catholic Church. They also learned that among the talented writers of the time were women in convents and at royal courts. One of these was Hildegard von Bingen (or Hildegard of Bingen). She wrote about religion, science, and medicine, and she also composed music.

Lesson Description
Students will go to The Catholic Encyclopedia: St. Hildegard Web site. They will then answer four questions about what they have read.

Instructional Objectives
1. Students will learn about the life of Hildegard von Bingen.
2. Students will discover how the activities of a talented, spiritual woman were viewed in the Middle Ages.

Student Web Activity Answers
1. She was a weak and sickly child whose parents had promised her to the service of God—that is, they intended her to become a nun. She received little formal education because of her poor health but did learn to sing psalms.
2. Often left much to herself because of her ill health, Hildegard had more time to think and visualize than she might have had if she had been busy with play and schooling.
3. They included common people but also men and women of note in both church and state.
4. Students' answers may vary but should point out that until her death Hildegard remained a deeply religious woman willing to defend her faith.

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