Course Synopsis:

This course is an in-depth examination of Spain and Portugal, tracing their histories from the Christian conquest of Toledo to the Treaty of Lisbon. Course material will address three major themes: the Christian reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula; the nature of religious coexistence of Jews, Muslims and Christians, and its collapse; and the subjugation of indigenous people in Spanish America and Brazil as well as the beginnings of the Atlantic slave trade.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this course, students will have:

• learned to read and analyze primary sources documents and understand how they connect to the broader historical development of Spain and Portugal.
• evaluated conflicting interpretations of Iberian society in the Middle Ages and Early Modern periods.
• synthesized independent research and course readings and develop an original historical perspective.
• developed an informed and nuanced understanding of religious conflict, colonialism and intercultural relations in the medieval and early modern periods.

Method of Evaluation and Weights:

Document Study Quizzes:    30%
Class Participation:    15%
Research Paper:    35%
Final Exam:    20%

Texts Required:

All readings for this class will be made available through the Library’s ARES Electronic Reserve.

Please note: This is a preliminary website description only. The department reserves the right to change without notice any information in this description. The final, binding course outline will be distributed in the first class of the semester.