Course Description
Examination of the shared history of Christians and Muslims in
Valencia, Spain, from the eighth to the seventeenth century,
including the flourishing of Islamic civilization and the
Catholic Reconquest. Studying this period of cultural exchange,
evangelization, and persecution will shed light upon the
challenges facing contemporary pluralist societies.
Athena Title
Christians Muslims Valencia
Prerequisite
Any HIST course or ENGL 1101 or ENGL 1101E or ENGL 1101S or ENGL 1102 or ENGL 1102E or ENGL 1102S or POLS 1101 or POLS 1101E or POLS 1101H or POLS 1101S
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
- By the end of this course, students will be able to arrive at conclusions about the history of Christians and Muslims in Valencia by gathering and weighing evidence, logical argument, and listening to counter argument.
- By the end of this course, students will be able to write stylistically appropriate papers and essays. Students will be able to analyze ideas and evidence, organize their thoughts, and revise and edit their finished essays.
- By the end of this course, students will be able to identify how the history of Christian-Muslim relations in Spain has shaped social and cultural identities and attitudes toward religion, identity, and tolerance, encouraging them to understand diverse worldviews and experiences.
- By the end of this course, students will be able to apply appropriate methodological approaches to their analysis of primary sources and to organize their evidence to show historical continuities and discontinuities.
- By the end of this course, students will be able to generate their own research question or topic, locate suitable primary and secondary sources, and synthesize their ideas in novel ways.
- By the end of this course, students will be able to initiate, manage, complete, and evaluate their independent research projects in stages and to give and receive constructive feedback through the peer review process.
Topical Outline
- I. Introduction to Spain. An overview of Spanish geography, climate, and culture, with particular attention to the Mediterranean region of Valencia.
- II. Al-Andalus. A study of Muslim Valencia (718-1238), including achievements in scholarship; scientific advances and irrigation techniques; interactions with the broader Islamic world; and the status of Christians and Jews.
- III. The Kingdom of Valencia. A study of Christian Valencia, from the Reconquest of the early 13th century to the expulsion of the Moriscos (baptized Muslims) in 1609-14. This section will investigate Christian institutions and officials; the role of the Church and Inquisition; the place of Valencia in the Mediterranean world; and the status of religious minorities.
- IV. The Modern Legacy. The conclusion of the course will consider the relevance of Spain's past to an age, freedom of religion, and increasing immigration from North Africa.
