Jewish History: 711-1492
WOH 3285/JST 3930
Fall, 2009
Instructor: Dr. Nina Caputo
Class time: MWF Period 7 (1:55-2:45 p.m.), Keene-Flint 119
Office Hours: Tuesday 12:00-1:50 p.m.,
Wednesday, 12:00-1:00 p.m., and by appointment
Office: Keene-Flint 216
Phone: (352) 273-3379
Email: ncaputo@ufl.edu
Website: http://www.clas.ufl.edu/users/ncaputo/
Course description: This course will survey major historic
developments in medieval Jewish society under both Islam and western
Christendom. We will look at the
divergence of Judaism and Christianity, the rise of the Babylonian geonim,
the social and cultural history of Jews in the Muslim Mediterranean world, the
emergence of Jewish communities in Medieval Ashkenaz,
and the impact on Jewish society of the Crusades, the Reconquista,
the emergence of the mendicant orders, and the Black Death. In the lectures,
readings and assignments, students will examine the interaction of Jews with
the majority culture, political structure, and economy, as well as changing
cultural trends within Jewish society. The distinctive religious climate of the
medieval period will serve as a unifying theme throughout. We will study
primary sources as well as recent historical scholarship. Class is conducted as
lecture and discussion of texts with an occasional film or slide lecture.
Prerequisites: None.
Recommended background: Familiarity with medieval history (EUH 2001, EUH 3122, or
MEM 3003) and/or some familiarity with Judaism or Jewish civilization (REL
2600).
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