1. Research and report on the major national groups of the fifteenth century—Tartars, Poles, Cossacks, Teutonic Knights (Prussians)—that are mentioned in the novel.

2. Discounting modern medicine and conveniences made possible by modern science, compare life in Joseph's world to life in America today. Consider especially the fact that life in the crowded city forces Joseph to rub shoulders with all sorts of people. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this sort of close contact?

3. Study Copernicus, his discoveries, and his world. Is the world of the novel comparable to the world faced by Copernicus?

4. Prepare a report on the history of astrology directed at isolating and listing the major astrological beliefs likely to have been current in 1461.

5. Research and prepare a report on alchemy, on medieval firefighting, or on medieval universities.

6. Learn something about Freud's and...