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University of Colorado System

Coexistence in Medieval Spain: Jews, Christians, and Muslims

This course explores Jewish, Christian, and Muslim intercultural relations in Iberia from the Visigothic era (6th century CE) until the creation of Queen Isabel I and King Ferdinand II Catholic Spain (late 15th century). We evaluate the many identities of the peninsula known as Christian Hispania, Jewish Sefarad, and Islamic al-Andalus. We trace the origins and trajectory of conflict between these communities (the Muslim conquest of Spain, Christian Reconquista, prohibitions blocking intermixing of peoples, and expulsions). We aim to understand conflicts within communities as well, such as the tensions between Christian Arian Visigoths and native Catholic Iberians or the fundamentalist North African Almohad Dynasty that rejected the Spanish Umayyad Caliphate’s preference for religious tolerance. We delve into an appreciation of collaboration and coexistence among these communities. We explore the unique role of the Jewish community who Muslims and Christians depended upon as political and cultural intermediaries as well as their intellectual collaborators. We find the history of how peoples attempted to create and manage viable diverse communities. As we study this history, the Honors Track will employ an investigative process (“The Historian’s Craft”) that involves viewing, reading, analyzing, and reflecting on events, peoples, places, and artifacts.

Status: Research Methodologies
Status: European History
BeginnerCourse27 hours

Featured reviews

BW

4.0Reviewed Dec 31, 2018

well covered subject. However, the audio quality of nearly all of the Spanish speakers was terrible. I speak Spanish but had to turn the volume way up and even then I missed much of what was said.

TR

5.0Reviewed Aug 6, 2020

Awesome! I am going to revisit this class readings and keep learning. Amazing videos! Abundance of knowledge shared! Above and beyond of what I thought this class could be! Thank you so much!!!

IB

5.0Reviewed Nov 20, 2018

It was more beneficial and educational than I thought. Amazing teacher, great course design

MC

5.0Reviewed Mar 30, 2020

Very interesting, and informative. I thank the Professor for a wonderful class.

GA

5.0Reviewed Jul 13, 2021

Excellent. If you are interested in History, and if you are Latin American it can give you a sense of identity an give you understanding of many aspects of our current day to day life.

FS

5.0Reviewed Jan 27, 2023

I am an abysmal satisfied about your career service for ours.

NP

5.0Reviewed Aug 25, 2020

Broadly learned the history of Spain with some visual information.

JS

4.0Reviewed Feb 28, 2018

Has a lot of stuff to see and do: quite a few options.

JG

5.0Reviewed Mar 24, 2018

Excellent course. Informative and well-presented in a variety of formats (reading, video, virtual simulations).

KL

5.0Reviewed Sep 26, 2021

Fascinating. Clearly and logically presented. An exceptional course.

SY

5.0Reviewed Jul 22, 2019

Very interesting the perspective from the muslim point of view

BB

4.0Reviewed Aug 27, 2018

My only real complaints are that a lot of the material repeated (readings saying the same as the lecture) and that the lecturer's pronunciation of Spanish names really irked me.

All reviews

Showing: 20 of 51

Jo North
1.0
Reviewed Feb 23, 2018
Maureen Theresa
5.0
Reviewed Oct 14, 2018
Johanna Gunn
5.0
Reviewed Mar 25, 2018
Ann Wilson Clark
1.0
Reviewed Oct 8, 2020
Delia Gabriela Pavón Santillán
5.0
Reviewed Jul 11, 2019
Paulo
5.0
Reviewed Jun 3, 2018
Sergio Mateo Ycaza
5.0
Reviewed Jul 23, 2019
Diego Pérez Porras
5.0
Reviewed Aug 15, 2020
Cansu Aydin
5.0
Reviewed May 6, 2018
Maria Julia Vacas
5.0
Reviewed Jul 25, 2023
Calvin Easter
5.0
Reviewed Jun 4, 2022
Georgina Wilson
4.0
Reviewed Feb 1, 2020
Bruce wood
4.0
Reviewed Dec 31, 2018
Bob Bartlett
4.0
Reviewed Aug 27, 2018
Michael Flatten
2.0
Reviewed Dec 1, 2020
Jonathan Golland
2.0
Reviewed Aug 16, 2018
Elaine H
1.0
Reviewed Feb 18, 2022
Ruturaj Mansingh
5.0
Reviewed Sep 3, 2023
Elizabeth Tavares Arsenio
5.0
Reviewed Sep 29, 2020
MAXIM BARKOV
5.0
Reviewed Aug 6, 2020