Course Description
Course Name
Christianity, Islam & Judaism in the Spanish Context (in English)
Session: VSVF2323
Hours & Credits
6 ECTS Credits
Prerequisites & Language Level
Taught In English
- There is no language prerequisite for courses at this language level.
Overview
Course Description
This class focuses on the role of the three main monotheistic religions in Spanish history, from Antiquity to Modern-Day Spain. Discussion will focus on the role of Catholicism and other religions in a Democratic Spain, in interaction with the growing population of Muslim immigrants, Jewish communities, and the establishment of Churches of various denominations around the country.
Course Goals and Methodology
Students will come prepared to class, after working with the assigned pages from the readings, primary sources, key questions and other material supplied by the instructor. The course will alternate classroom sessions with excursions to different sites related to the material covered, in Seville and out of town.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of the course, students should be able to understand the cultural and historical meaning of religion(s) within the Spanish historical context; as well to interpret religious traditions by examining religion(s) as historical, social, and cultural phenomena. Furthermore each student should be able to understand and interpret the subjective dimensions of religion(s) through analyses that explore the psychological, philosophical, and cognitive dynamics of religion and religious experience. And finally, to recognize the historical evolution and influence of religion and religions in today’s world.
Required Texts
There is not a single textbook for this class, but rather various readings for various sources, some of which include:
-Solomon N., Judaism. VSI series. Oxford U. Press. (2014)
-Woodhead, L., Christianity. VSI series. Oxford U. Press. (2014)
-Ruthven, M., Islam. VSI series. Oxford U. Press. (2012)
-Barton, S. A History of Spain. Palgrave Macmillan Press. (2004)
-Constable, O. R. (ed.). Medieval Iberia. UPenn Press. (1997)
-Cowans, J. (ed.). Early Modern Spain. UPenn Press. (2003)
-Cowans, J. (ed.). Modern Spain. UPenn Press. (2003)
-Fletcher, R. Moorish Spain. University of California Press. (2006).
-Hooper, J. The New Spaniards. Penguin. (2006)
Other readings may be added as well, and will also be part of the requirements. All readings will be available online.
Class Schedule
Block I – Introduction & the study of religion
Session 1 – Course introduction: overview of syllabus, reasons to take this class
Session 2 – The study of religion vs religion education. Religion in Spanish history. Geography of the Mediterranean world, and Iberia. Ancient civilizations & religious influence
Block II – Abrahamic religions
Session 3 to 6 – Judaism, Christianity, and Islam
Block III – Antiquity & the Early Middle Ages
Session 7 to 9 – Paganism, Monotheism, and Heresy in Rome (& Hispania)
Session 10 – Visigothic Hispania: Arians, Trinitarians, and Paganism?
Session 11 & 12 – al-Andalus: Islamization & Arabization. The Caliphate of Cordoba (9291031)
Session 13 – Midterm Exam (Mar. 8th)
Block IV – Medieval Iberia
Session 14 – The birth & rise of Christian Iberia; political division & religious unity
Session 15 – Cats puffed up to look like Lions: the party kingdoms of al-Andalus
Session 16 – Reconquest and Ideology: then & now
Block V – Early Modern Iberia
Session 17 – Mudejares, Marranos, Moriscos, Conversos,...
Session 18 – 1492: Expulsion & Expansion (The Catholic Monarchs)
Session 19 – Reformation & Counter-Reformation Block VI – Enlightenment, Reform, Revolution, and Constitutionalism
Block VI – Enlightenment, Reform, Revolution, and Constitutionalism
Session 20 – 19th century: the Constitution of 1812 vs 1876
Session 21 – 20th century: from the Second Republic to National Catholicism
Block VII – Visits
Session 22 – VISIT- Roman Seville; time/location: TBA
Session 23 – VISIT- Islamic Seville; time/location: TBA
Session 24 – VISIT- Christian Seville;time/location: TBA
Session 25&26 – Student presentations (paper) & debate.
Session 27 – Final Exam (date/time TBA)
*Course content subject to change