University Bulletin
Undergraduate Degree Programs
HIST 108
(GH;IL)
The Crusades: Holy War in the Middle Ages (3) The social and political history of medieval religious warfare in Europe and in the Middle East.
HIST 108 The Crusades: Holy War in the Middle East (3)
(GH;IL)
(BA) This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.
History 108 is an introductory survey of the so-called holy wars of the High Middle Ages. These wars were fought in theatres from the Baltic to the eastern shores of the Mediterranean, from the Hispanic peninsula to southern France. While the primary emphasis will be given to the expeditions to the Holy Land, two other crusading movements will be studied: the crusades in the Baltic, led by the Teutonic Knights, and the crusades in southern France, against the heretics known as the Albigensians. These conflicts cannot be studied in isolation, and a major topic is the response of Islamic society and non-conformists elements within medieval Europe. How the various elements in the crusading period co-existed, changed or disappeared provides still more material for the student to contemplate.
Students will be evaluated on three essay examinations, regularly scheduled discussions of the assigned readings, the instructor's assessment of the student's ability to read critically, write clearly and knowledgeably, and class participation. History 108 is part of a series of introductory courses to medieval history. It will be accepted but not required for the History Major and Minor. It will be offered once each year with 90 seats per offering.
Note : Class size, frequency of offering, and evaluation methods will vary by location and instructor. For these details check the specific course syllabus.