Jewish History: 711-1492: MEM 3931 sec. 36A4 (also EUH 3670)
Professor Nina Caputo (History)
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 Arab 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.
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Medieval Italy: MEM 3931 sec. 4B01 (also EUH 3432)
Professor Florin Curta (History)
For full information, see this description: http://users.clas.ufl.edu/fcurta/Germany.html
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The Viking Experience: MEM 4931 sec. 4B05 (also EUH 4185)
Professor Florin Curta (History)
For full information, see this description: http://users.clas.ufl.edu/fcurta/Germany.html
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The Qur’an as Literature: MEM 4931 sec. 36GB (also ABT 4131)
Professor Sarra Tlili
Approaches the Qur’an from a literary standpoint by examining its history, structure, style, major themes, and impact on Arabic literature, Islamic thought, and Muslim culture.
Interested students who do not satisfy the prerequisites should speak with the instructor.
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Pre-modern Chinese Fiction in Translation: MEM 3931 sec.31GH (also CHT 3123)
Professor Richard Wang (LLC/Chinese)
Pre-modern Chinese narrative from its philosophical and historical origins to the fiction at the turn of the 20th century. Emphasizes the 16th and 17th centuries when Chinese vernacular fiction flourished. (H and N)
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The History of English: MEM 4931 sec. 361C (also LIN 4930)
Professor Jules Gliesche (Linguistics)
This course will be a trip through the history of English, beginning with a survey of the peculiarities of the modern language, then going back to the beginnings of Old English and moving forward to the present. Along the way, students will have the opportunity to read and examine Old English, the influence of Old Norse upon Old English, and the development of the language up to the Norman Conquest. The story then continues with the Norman influence upon the development of English, including how Norman French drove Old English underground for a time, until it finally became the official language of the kingdom some 300 years later. In the Middle English period, we will explore how the language changed and evolved, along with how the process known as the Great Vowel Shift started Middle English on the road to becoming Early Modern English. Finally, we will explore how the spread of English, along with the economic and military power behind it, have allowed the language to spread and mutate across the planet into multiple Englishes.