Honors
HNRS 165-01: Jews and Christians in the Middle Ages
This intensive seminar will examine the relationship between
Jews and Christians from the birth of Christianity up through the expulsion of
the Jews from Spain
in 1492. Although the seminar will focus on Jewish-Christian relations during
the high Middle Ages (12-14th centuries), we will also consider the
relationship between Jews and Christians
during antiquity and the early Middle Ages. We will also have occasion to
reflect on the relationship between Jews and Christians under medieval Islamic
rule. Through a wide range of primary sources, written by medieval Christians
and Jews, we will attempt to reconstruct how Christians and Jews imagined each
other and what motivated them to act in the ways that they did. We will examine some of the contexts for
Jewish-Christian interaction and will explore the interdependence of medieval
Jews and Christians, economically, politically, and psychologically. Topics will include the medieval church and
the Jews, the legal status of Jews in the medieval state, economic roles,
biblical exegesis, forced disputation, conversion, the crusades, accusations of
host desecration and ritual murder, and expulsion.
Fall Term: 2008
Credits: 4
Fulfills: GE Requirement in Humanities (U)
Meeting times: 15:00-16:20 TR
Instructor: Adam Davis
Open to: First-years/Sophomores/Juniors/Seniors, limited by quota
