Islam and Christianity in the Middle Ages

(2.5,3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

"HIS 20460 Islam and Christianity in the Middle Ages at UCD; Who was Mohammad and what was his message? Why was Islam so successful? How did it transform the ancient world? This module will begin by examining the way Mohammad's revolutionary new message gave rise to a vibrant culture that changed the east and west forever. It will then go onto explore the origins of Islam, examine the career of Mohammad and assess the expansion of Islam and its impact on the early middle ages up to c. 900. The second part of the module will concentrate on the history of the Crusades and the Latin East between the 11th and 13th centuries c. 1095-1291. Attention will also be given to the 'pre-history' of the Crusade and the so-called 'Later Crusade of the 14th and 15th centuries. Students will be expected to familiarise themselves with the main events of the Crusades and will be encouraged to consider the Crusades from both Christian and Muslim perspectives. Emphasis will be placed on the long-term historical legacy of the Crusades in the Christian and Muslim worlds. Students will be introduced to the rich body of primary sources in translation relating to the topic. On completion of this module student should be able to: demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of the origins and early development of Islam - demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of the main events of the Crusades - show awareness of the historical legacy of Christian and Muslim interaction - identify and discuss some of the major primary sources relating to the rise of Islam and the Crusades - critically assess the modern historiography of the subject - engage in oral discussion of aspects of early Islamic and Crusade history in an informed manner Hrs/Semester Lectures 10 Seminar 10 Specified Learning Activities 45 Autonomous Student Learning 45 Total Workload 110 % of Final Grade and Timing Continuous Assessment: attendance and class participation 10 Unspecified Essay: 1500 word essay 40 Week 6 Essay: take home exam 50 End of Semester Submission"