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Chronological thinking is an indispensable tool to structure a historical narrative and to give meaning to a sequence of events. It is not a natural skill, so the conscious inclusion of tasks stimulating that skill in teaching is crucial. It is important to appropriately test students' chronological skills by means of well--constructed examination tasks administered at the conclusion of subsequent stages of education. The authors discuss tasks that assess chronological thinking included in contemporary exam papers in Finland, France, the Netherlands, Russia, the USA and the United Kingdom. The tasks included in Polish arts and humanities exam papers at the lower secondary school level in the years 2002-2011 and the first history paper (2012) are then analysed. The final section presents the results of a survey to test the chronological thinking of lower secondary school students carried out by the Educational Research Institute. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article focuses on a special issue of France and Islam. The editors of French Historical Studies seek articles for a special issue on France and Islam. Articles on research topics covering all chronological periods are welcome, but especially articles on the medieval and early modern periods, since recent trends have meant that these periods are not always as well represented as the modern and postcolonial periods. The editors hope to present a series of articles that cover the chronological spectrum. For this issue, "France" is understood in the broadest way, including the medieval Frankish kingdoms, the Crusader states and the peoples that called themselves "Franks" and were called by Muslims "Ifranj/Firanj."

Ribemont‐sur‐Ancre, France, is the biggest excavated human skeletal assemblage of Northern Gaul. It is interpreted as a post‐battle deposit constructed to celebrate war. However, the chronology of the site, its organization and the origin of the buried warriors are still poorly understood. These problems are studied by a multi‐proxy approach, based on radiocarbon dating, stable and radiogenic isotope analysis of bone remains from three structures within the site. A total of 47 human and 12 animal bone samples were analyzed for their oxygen isotope composition of bone bioapatite (δ18Op), carbon and nitrogen isotope compositions of bone collagen (δ13Ccoll and δ15Ncoll). Subsamples of 17 bone collagen and 20 bone samples were selected for radiocarbon dating and strontium isotope analysis (87Sr/86Sr), respectively. All samples show preservation from diagenesis, although 87Sr/86Sr contribution from the burial environment cannot be excluded. Therefore, the strontium isotope data are included in the study but are not used in the interpretation of the results. Homogeneous radiocarbon dates of human remains are observed, whereas later dates are obtained for some animal remains, highlighting the continuous use of the monument decades after the conflict. Human individuals have homogeneous δ18Op values, which are consistent with independent numismatic analyses and lead us to propose the Maine region as a potential geographic origin. Heterogeneities of δ13Ccoll and δ15Ncoll values are highlighted between individuals from different structures and are attributed to preferential access to animal protein and different social statuses among the buried warriors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: New paleoclimatic data for the Lateglacial clarify climatic phases during the Lateglacial. Cold climate played a key role in limiting Magdalenian expansion from southwest and central Europe This paper presents chronological and geographic data for the different climatic phases to map the expansion of the Magdalenian into northwest Europe. Specifically, it can be seen that initial expansion follows a southwest-northeast trajectory into southern Germany, followed by northern expansion into Belgium, central Germany and the Paris Basin at the end of the Oldest Dryas. During the Bølling and Allerød phases, human occupation intensified in the Paris Basin and contacts and/or territorial exploitation between both the Paris Basin and the Rhineland region with Belgian territory is demonstrated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper, we make an inventory of geomorphic remnants of past glaciations, especially glacial stages that occurred just after the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). More than 35 terrestrial cosmogenic radionuclide (TCR) ages were obtained, providing new chronological benchmarks for defining the transition between the LGM and the Holocene, thus answering some remaining questions in the southern French Alps (upper Durance catchment). TCR ages fit very well with the scenario defined in other parts of the European Alps: two main generations of post-LGM moraines were identified, highlighting a synchronicity of glacial responses during the Younger Dryas and the Preboreal. Indeed, the first generation we identified corresponds to the Younger Dryas period, while the second generation was shaped during the Preboreal period. They suggest that a relatively thick glacier tongue (300m thick) occupied the upper catchment until the end of the Lateglacial period. The glacier tongue disappeared at the very beginning of the Holocene, before a short glacial re-advance during the Preboreal period. This scenario is linked to a very low equilibrium line altitude (ELA) during the Younger Dryas and the Preboreal: located respectively 340 and 150m below the Little Ice Age (LIA) ELA. Collectively, the results highlight a significant west–east gradient in ELA, probably in relation to westerly and northwesterly winds. Finally, the deglaciation pattern in this area is similar to that of the western and northern Alps, and appears significantly different from the patterns found in the inner and eastern Alps (such as the Ubaye and Maritime Alps patterns). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A detailed reappraisal of the sequence of tectonic stages that has affected the eastern part of the Paris Basin from the late Jurassic to the end of Cainozoic is presented in order to improve knowledge of the relationships between tectonics and fluid/mass palaeo-transfers in that basin. This goal was performed in two steps: i) establishing a relative tectonic chronology on the basis of numerous observations and detailed analysis of geometrical relationships between striated planes, vertical and bedding stylolites, and tension gashes, and ii) discussing the geochemical signatures (δ 18O and δ 13C) of calcite from fracture infillings well positioned within the relative tectonic chronology. The resulting tectonic sequence agrees with the main events described by previous papers, but the present work details the Pyrenean s.l. (Eocene–Oligocene) and Alpine (Miocene–Pliocene) convergence stages and explains the mechanisms of the Oligocene–Miocene transition between the two previous events. The different tectonic stages are as follows: i) late Jurassic to early Cretaceous extension starting with a WNW–ESE direction but changing to E–W; ii) the Pyrenean convergence (Eocene), changing from NNE–SSW to NE–SW and finally ENE–WSW compression; iii) Oligocene transition from Pyrenean to Alpine convergence, marked by a drastic evolution of main stress which swaps from a horizontal position to a vertical one and radial extension marked by a strong reactivation of bedding stylolitisation; iv) the Alpine convergence (late Miocene to present-day), changing from WNW–ESE to NNW–SSE direction of shortening. δ 18O- and δ 13C-values of calcite from tension gashes associated to each tectonic stage spread from 18‰ to 27‰ (SMOW) and from 0.8‰ to 3‰ (PDB), respectively. According to the maximum thermal history of this part of the basin (T MAX =40°C or 60°C according to the available published estimates), the calculated δ 18O-values of fluids (−7‰ to −4‰) involved in mass transfer processes are interpreted as meteoric. The lowest δ 18O-values (18–20‰) are located around the main regional faults and associated with δ 13C-values that are rather different from those of host rocks. In contrast, calcites from non-faulted area present a higher δ 18O- (>20‰) and δ 13C-values close to those of host rocks. These data are explainable in terms of differences in the fluid/rock ratios prevailing during carbonate redistribution, the highest ratios being associated to discontinuities (faults, sometimes with hydraulic breccias) that were active during the Tertiary tectonic events. Outside the fault zones, the isotopic compositions of calcite from tension gashes are similar, at the regional scale, to those of calcite from geodes or cements analysed in previous studies on localized areas. As a result, we emphasize the fact that a significant part of the carbonate redistribution in the Middle to Upper Jurassic limestones from the eastern Paris Basin occurred during the Tertiary s.l., enlightening the influence of distant orogenic systems (extensive or compressive) in the matter redistribution within sedimentary basins, at variance of models inferring a porosity cementation predominantly during burial. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

French academic geography achieved remarkable success during the 1920s making Paris an appropriate location for the XIIIth International Geographical Congress to meet in 1931. These scholarly activities were counterpoised by expressions of an exotic‘popular geography’ at the great Exposition Coloniale staged in the French capital at the same time. At the Congress, French academics displayed their research achievements in denudation chronology, rural settlement studies and cartography, extending their work from the Hexagon to parts of the Empire. Patronage by leading professors in Paris and Grenoble clearly played a vital role in shaping the discipline. The location and content of excursions for visiting scholars also highlighted French achievements and suggested what remained to be done. Scrutiny of activities at the XIIIth IGC reveals a profession whose official pronouncements appear isolated from the momentous economic and political changes triggered by global depression at that time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In nineteenth century France, an administrative practice underwent a spectacular expansion: the assessment of all civil servants, regardless of their ministry of affiliation. This article analyzes this innovation. In the first section, the political and administrative context of this assessment is presented. The second section describes the chronology of the expansion of performance appraisals and the content of the forms used: the competencies of the agents were dissected on all levels (attendance at work, technical abilities, and personal and family life). Finally, the last section will attempt to analyze the modalities, drivers, and effects of the expansion of this practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This essay adopts a semiotic perspective focused on practices of communication, movement, and translation to examine the global impact of A. J. Greimas (1917–1992) and his oeuvre. The linguist and semiotician's lecture trips abroad, the number and provenance of international students in his Paris seminar, and the chronology and linguistic geography of translations of his work help describe, gauge, and explain the dissemination and development of his ideas throughout the world. His project has engendered distinctive appropriations and at times productive institutional structures in a number of cultural and linguistic contexts, notably Romance, Anglo-American, Germanic, Russian, Lithuanian, and Chinese. The broader historical relations between France and other lands, and the extent of each society's use of the French language have conditioned, fostered, or impeded responses to his proposals. The conclusion's discussion of the relative importance of personal contacts, socio-historical context, and the sociolinguistic and pedagogical status of French for his international reception aims to contribute to general methodological debates in the history of science and ideas and in transnational history. Cette étude adopte une perspective sémiotique centrée sur des pratiques de communication, de déplacement et de traduction pour examiner l'impact international d'A. J. Greimas (1917–1992) et de son œuvre. Les missions scientifiques menées par le linguiste et sémioticien à l'étranger, le nombre et la provenance des étudiants étrangers inscrits dans son séminaire à Paris et la chronologie et la géographie linguistique des traductions de ses travaux aident à tracer, à évaluer et à expliquer la dissémination et le développement mondial de ses idées. Son projet a inspiré des appropriations distinctives et parfois des structures institutionnelles dans nombre de contextes culturels et linguistiques, notamment roman, anglo-américain, germanique, russe, lituanien et chinois. L'histoire des relations entre la France et d'autres états de même que le statut de la langue française dans chaque société influencent, favorisent ou empêchent les réponses à ses propositions. Dans la conclusion, la discussion de l'importance relative jouée par le contact personnel, le contexte sociohistorique et le statut sociolinguistique et didactique du français pour sa réception internationale vise à contribuer aux débats méthodologiques dans le domaine de l'histoire de la science et des idées et de l'histoire transnationale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The grand abri at La Ferrassie (France) has been a key site for Palaeolithic research since the early part of the 20th century. It became the eponymous site for one variant of Middle Palaeolithic stone tools, and its sequence was used to define stages of the Aurignacian, an early phase of the Upper Palaeolithic. Several Neanderthal remains, including two relatively intact skeletons, make it one of the most important sites for the study of Neanderthal morphology and one of the more important data sets when discussing the Neanderthal treatment of the dead. However, the site has remained essentially undated. Our goal here is to provide a robust chronological framework of the La Ferrassie sequence to be used for broad regional models about human behaviour during the late Middle to Upper Palaeolithic periods. To achieve this goal, we used a combination of modern excavation methods, extensive geoarchaeological analyses, and radiocarbon dating. If we accept that Neanderthals were responsible for the Châtelperronian, then our results suggest an overlap of ca. 1600 years with the newly arrived Homo sapiens found elsewhere in France. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This essay explores the astronomical works of Pierre de Lille, a little-known French participant in the debates on calendar reform during the Fifth Lateran Council (1512–1517). It argues that astrological ideas coupled with eschatological beliefs motivated his astronomical propositions to reform the Julian calendar. De Lille conceived the calendar solar year as a unit of a great cosmic year spanning 7,153 years, the duration that he assigned to the now-obsolete theory of the motion of trepidation of the eighth sphere. Although his use of this astronomical model for astrological speculations about world chronology was not new, de Lille gave an original and bold reply to Pico della Mirandola's devastating critique of astrology. The astronomical model and its astrological implications were eventually contested at the court and in academia in France, but the alliance of chronology, astrology, and apocalypticism was to play a major role during the second half of the sixteenth century in Lutheran thought. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Absolute Thellier-Thellier archaeointensity determinations were conducted on 137 tiles and sedimentary blocks from five different structures from the 'Site de la Molère', southern France, to constrain the archaeological interpretation of a relative age difference between structures and add new data to the French secular variation database. We present 89 new archaeointensity and 20 new directional results, with averages of 57 (±8) μT in the second century ad and 68 (±7) μT in the third century ad. The overall data trend is consistent with the limited available data, indicating rapidly increasing field intensity from the second to the third century ad. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detailed 40Ar/39Ar geochronology on single grains of muscovite was performed in the Variscan Tanneron Massif (SE France) to determine the precise timing of the post-collisional exhumation processes. Thirty-two plateau ages, obtained on metamorphic and magmatic rocks sampled along an east–west transect through the massif, vary from 302 ± 2 to 321 ± 2 Ma, and reveal a heterogeneous exhumation of the lower crust that lasted about 20 Ma during late Carboniferous. In the eastern part of the massif, the closure of the K–Ar isotopic system is at 311–315 Ma, whereas in the middle part of the massif it closes earlier at 317–321 Ma. These cooling paths are likely to be the result of differential exhumation processes of distinct crustal blocks controlled by a major ductile fault, the La Moure fault that separates both domains. In the western part of the massif, the ages decrease from 318 to 303 Ma approaching the Rouet granite, which provides the youngest age at 303.6 ± 1.2 Ma. This age distribution can be explained by the occurrence of a thermal structure spatially associated to the magmatic complex. These ages argue in favour of a cooling of the magmatic body at around 15 Ma after the country rocks in the western Tanneron. The emplacement of the Rouet granite in the core of an antiform is responsible for recrystallization and post-isotopic closure disturbances of the K–Ar chronometer in the muscovite from the host rocks. These new 40Ar/39Ar ages clearly outline that at least two different processes may contribute to the exhumation of the lower crust in the later stage of collision. During the first stage between 320 and 310 Ma, the differential motion of tectonic blocks limited by ductile shear zones controls the post-collisional exhumation. This event could be related to orogen parallel shearing associated with crustal-scale strike-slip faults and regional folding. The final exhumation stages at around 300 Ma take place within the tectonic doming associated to magmatic intrusions in the core of antiformal structures. Local ductile to brittle normal faulting is coeval to Upper Carboniferous intracontinental basins opening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present-day maritime landscape of Western France forms the geographical framework for a recent research project dedicated to the archaeological study of ancient fish-traps, combining regional-scale and site-scale investigations. Based on the compilation and exploitation of a large unpublished dataset including more than 550 sites, a preliminary synthetic study allows us to present some examples of synchronic and thematic approaches, and propose a morphological classification of the weirs. These encouraging first results open up new perspectives on fish-trap chronology closely linked to wider studies on Holocene sea-level changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]