ATS2189 · Conflict and coexistence 1: Jews, Christians and Muslims from antiquity through the middle ages

Overview

The unit deals with the social, cultural, political, economic and intellectual interactions of Jews with Christians and Muslims from antiquity through the Middle Ages. In a contemporary world that frames these relations as a 'clash of civilisations,' the course retraces the shifting relationships between the three monotheistic traditions, emphasising Jewish life in the medieval period under Christian and Islamic rule. We will start the unit with the foundational texts of the three monotheistic religions, examining how these societies defined themselves and others. Moving to the medieval period we will explore the interactions between Christians, Jews and Muslims-the shared texts, spaces, and intellectual ideas that united all three societies. Even in moments of extreme violence, we see evidence of coexistence alongside conflict.

Areas of study: History Islamic studies Jewish studies Religious studies

Offerings

The Handbook publishes no offerings for this unit.

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. Trace the way Jews, Christians and Muslims have defined their identities against each other;
2. Understand the interaction between Jews and Christians in late Antiquity and in medieval Europe;
3. Understand the interaction between Jews and Muslims following the rise of Islam in the Near East and in the Maghreb;
4. Appreciate and assess the significance of "The Golden Age of Spain";
5. Compare the Jewish experience of Christian and Islamic rule respectively;
6. Appreciate the intellectual interaction between Jews and Christians and Muslims.

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.