1. Monastic Life and Religious Reforms: Explore the rise of monastic orders and the various reform movements within the Catholic Church during the 12th century. This could involve studying famous figures like St. Bernard of Clairvaux and the Cistercians, the establishment of the Carthusian order, or the conflict between the church and heretical groups such as the Cathars.
2. The Crusades: Investigate the motivations, strategies, and consequences of the Crusades, which intensified during the 12th century. Research could focus on a specific Crusade, the interactions between Crusaders and local populations, the impact of the Crusades on European society and culture, or the role of the military orders.
3. Women's Roles in Feudal Society: Examine the social and legal status of women in feudal society, including their roles in marriage, property ownership, religious life, and political power. Research could explore the influence of the cult of the Virgin Mary, the development of courtly love, or the emergence of female monastic communities.
4. Medieval Medicine: Study the state of medical knowledge and practices in the 12th century, including the use of herbs, surgical techniques, and the role of physicians and surgeons. Research could focus on specific diseases or epidemics, the influence of Islamic medical texts, or the development of medical schools.
5. The Birth of Universities: Investigate the origins and growth of universities in the 12th century, particularly the University of Paris. Research could explore the curriculum, teaching methods, student life, or the impact of universities on intellectual thought and society as a whole.
6. Trade and Commerce: Examine the development of trade networks and commercial activities in the 12th century, including the growth of merchant guilds, the establishment of trade fairs, or the role of money and credit. Research could focus on specific trade routes, commodities, or the economic impact on European towns and cities.
7. Cultural Exchange: Explore the cultural interactions between different regions during the 12th century, such as the transmission of knowledge and ideas between Europe and the Islamic world, or the cultural encounters between Christians, Muslims, and Jews in Spain and Sicily. Research could focus on specific intellectual figures, artistic influences, or the role of translation and cross-cultural dialogue.