Muslims and Jews in Medieval Christian Spain

About this course

The course examines religious relations in medieval Spain across the Visigothic period and the Christian kingdoms that followed the Reconquista. It considers laws governing Muslim and Jewish minorities, popular attitudes, case studies of coexistence and violence, and the effects of the Black Death and climate change. Later sessions address the growth of religious intolerance, the Inquisition, the expulsions of Jews in 1492 and converted Muslims between 1609 and 1614, and the emergence of Catholic universality. Teaching combines lectures with class discussion and debate, supported by provided reading lists.

What you'll learn

• Evaluate different theories of religious coexistence in medieval Spain.
• Explain how and why relations between religious groups changed over the period.
• Analyse the effects of laws, popular attitudes and social and economic change on minority communities.
• Assess factors contributing to religious intolerance, violence and the emergence of the Inquisition.

Is this course right for you?

The course is open to learners at all levels and does not require previous knowledge. It is intended for participants willing to engage respectfully with class discussion and debate alongside lecture-based teaching. Reading lists are provided, but no work outside the class is required.

Before you go

• Learners should bring writing materials.
• Reading lists are provided, with no outside work required.