It is widely believed that Christian, Muslims, and Jews lived together in relative harmony for significant periods of medieval Spanish history, that they experienced what has come to be called Convivencia. What is more, the argument continues, as a result of this harmony, all benefited materially and culturally from diversity and interaction. More recently, the idea of Convivencia has come under increased attention, either heralded as an ethical vision for a more tolerant future or criticized as a dangerous, historical fiction. In this course and through careful reading of primary sources, students will take a critical look at Convivencia as both historical concept and practice. To what degree did tolerance exist in medieval Spain? And perhaps more critically, what do religious interactions in the distant past tell us about the possibilities for religious tolerance in the future?

Course Requirements:

Students will be evaluated on the basis of their participation in class discussion as well as two short papers and two longer papers. A background in medieval Europe and Islamic world is preferable but not necessary. There are no quizzes or exams for this course.