1. Choose a theme, issue, or specific feature (e.g. clerestory, pier, or vault design) in Romanesque architecture and discuss it in relation to several well-chosen examples. See me first with your ideas or your hesitations, if you wish.

2. Analyzing several thoughtfully chosen Romanesque buildings in concrete terms at length, write an essay based on Southern's description of southern and northern literary style found on page 23 of The Making of the Middle Ages. The buildings of the Exercise (first paper) may not be used.

You need not limit yourself to examples discussed in class, but browse through the books on reserve and in the stacks to find interesting examples.

3. By choosing a thought-provoking section from Southern, Stalley, or other texts, write an essay on Romanesque architecture. Analyze several Romanesque buildings in concrete terms at some length. For example, you might select the following sentence from Walter Horn's article (p. 18): "In timber it [this concept of skeletal division] flows as a logical construction method . . . In masonry it ushered in a conflict between style and matter such as could be handled only on a very sophisticated level of civilization . . ." The buildings of the Exercise (first paper) may not be used.

4a. Write a critical* review of 3-4 (or more if you like) of the videos listed on the syllabus. One must be Light on the Stones. If you select Three English Cathedrals, you need discuss only the section on Norwich, since the other two concern Gothic, not Romanesque. You may select more than four videos, but be sure you write with some depth; don't just make a rapid list. Remember, you are writing an essay, not a list of 3-4 reviews.

4b. A critical* review of Ken Follett's Pillars of the Earth might also be possible. See me.

*"Critical" does not mean discuss only negatively, but evaluate thoughtfully the strengths and weaknesses of each, being reflective of the assumptions and methods used. The dictionary defines critical as "characterized by careful and exact evaluation and judgment."

5. Romanesque architecture has been characterized as both a regional and an international style. Using several well-chosen examples (4-6), examine whether it is more regional than international and what issues have an impact on internationalism.

6. Is Cistercian architecture a Romanesque variant, or to what extent could it be so considered? Use Fontenay in Burgundy as one example in your discussion. You may wish to consult Kubach; Conant, chapter 11; Otto von Simson, The Gothic Cathedral, pp. 39-50 (not on reserve); Braunfels; Brooke; Jean Bony, French Gothic Architecture of the 12th and 13th Centuries, pp. 21, 312-13, 512-13; Oursel, Bourgogne romane; Dimier, L'art cistercien--use the last two for illustration if you don't read French. Other books are on reserve and in the stacks.

B. INDIVIDUAL TOPICS. Must be discussed with instructor during office hours or via e-mail by Tuesday, February 29. By March 2 a brief (2-paragraph) synopsis of topic with specialized bibliography is due. If insufficiently developed, the student may be required to write on a set topic.

1. Write an essay discussing the significant aspects of the Romanesque architecture of a building, or section of a building such as the nave, that we are not studying in class. (A few exceptions may be allowed. See me.) Good papers will include a visual analysis of the elements of the architecture, a characterization of its qualities, and especially a solid discussion of the place of the selected building within its architectural context (the specific [local or regional] as well as the general context of Romanesque architecture). Discuss what makes the building interesting. Each of these aspects should be carefully considered and specifically discussed in some detail. See instructions for the exercise.

The building you choose in discussion with me must be reasonably well illustrated--at least with some interior views and probably a plan; exterior views and sections provide valuable help. You may concentrate entirely on one part of the building, e.g., the nave. See me in the early stages of your work to discuss problems and to avoid booby traps (archaic inaccuracies or fallacies) in the material.

2. Any topic on Romanesque architecture.