ANDALUSIA

I developed a lot of insight. I actually was not familiar with the history of Andalusia before the class, and this has increased basically everything

Knowledge of Judaism in Iberia, Refining a paper to focus on a narrower topic, and expounding on information read before class to be used within the context of the seminar.

Developed writing and reading skills, especially improved during writing reflection posts throughout the course and the major essays. Also gained new perspectives on historical narratives, sources and interplays of common cultural themes relevant even today.

Learned about a broad swath of culture and influences shared between Muslim and Jewish, and sometimes Christian communities. Learned that conflict between Muslim and Jewish communities is not si deeply entrenched in history as one would think from the current state of the world, that much of their culture and intellectual heritage has overlap. Learned about religious government and transition of power, myths of conquest and violence in medieval Spain.

I learned how to take away the key points and themes from readings. I also learned how to conduct proper research when writing a paper. I learned about the connection between Averroes/Ibn Rushd and Aquinas which was particularly fascinating for me.