Davar Academy, LLC | Evaluated Learning Experience
History of the Jews in the Golden Age of Spain (HIS 230)
Varies – self study.
May 2022 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: illustrate and discuss what Jewish society and culture was like in Spain during the Middle Ages; describe the major historical events in Spain during the Middle Ages that affected the Jewish population and explain the impact these events had on Jewish life; identify the major historical personalities in Spain whose actions affected the Jewish population and explain how they impacted the Jewish population; describe the contributions of Jewish historical figures and explain the impact they had on Jewish life; describe and assess how the interactions between Jewish, Christian and Muslim cultures influenced Christian and Muslim attitudes towards Jews and in turn influenced Jewish life and society; describe the important decisions and decrees Jewish leaders made during this period and discuss what may have influenced their decisions and how Jewish culture was affected.
This course explores the rich and intricate history of the Jews of Spain and Portugal throughout the Middle Ages until the 1492 expulsion. The course will also focus on how historical figures made an impact on Jewish life through their major works and communal interaction. Significant figures include Chisdai Ibn Shaprut, Shmuel Hanagid, Shlomo Ibn Gavirol, R’ Yehuda Halevi, The Rambam, The Ramban, Rabbenu Yonah, The Rashba, and The Rosh. Students will also gain an understanding of how the Jews living in Spain and Provence during the Middle Ages interacted with surrounding cultures, and how they influenced and were influenced by their host countries. Also, students will understand the significance of major political and cultural events and their impact on the Jewish communities and individuals. Topics include controversy and harmony between Sephardic Jewry, Christiandom, and Islam; the influence of philosophy on Jewish scholarship; how Kabbalah came to influence Jewish culture in Spain; the cultural and religious legacy of Sephardic Jewry; the trauma of Christian persecution and compulsory conversion to Christianity.
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in History, Jewish History, Judaic Studies or Sociology (3/22).
