HIST289A Jews, Christians, and Muslims in Medieval Spain: Tolerance, Oppression, and the Problematic Past | Bianchini

Despite frequent hostilities, even catastrophes, the interactions of Spanish Jews, Christians, and Muslims produced a flowering of science, theology, and literature in an often remarkably tolerant climate. In the modern world, medieval Spain is sometimes held up as a model of harmony among Islam, Christianity, and Judaism—one that we might do well to emulate. At other times, the region’s repeated instances of interreligious violence—culminating in policies of extreme intolerance in the fifteenth century—has been seen as a classic example of failure to create a diverse society that is also stable and successful. Using a wide range of medieval sources, including firsthand accounts by people of all three faiths, you’ll learn how medieval Spanish people themselves experienced interreligious contact and conflict. You’ll also discover the modern pressures, prejudices, and ideals that have shaped current interpretations of medieval Spain.

MW 11:00 - 11:50 | SYM 0200 | Spring 2024

Discussion W 10:00 - 10:50 SYM 0209 | 1:00 - 1:50 ASY 3217 | 2:00 - 2:50 ASY 3217

Material covered in this course includes:

• Judaism
• Religious conflict
• Religious tolerance
• War and Peace
• Social changes
• Medieval - Early Modern Spain