Preparation

Readings:

  • #22-The Conquest of Toledo
  • #25-The Exile of the Cid and his capture of Valencia
  • #27-Two Christian Urban Charters
  • #41-Hispano-Arabic Poetry

Questions for the “live” discussion:

  1. How do the documents related to Alfonso VI’s capture of Toledo characterize him as a king? Given that they were written after his conquest (in some cases more than 100 years after) what type of kingly characteristics are they imbuing Alfonso with?
  2. The Song of El Cid is the longer document that #25 is taken from. As noted, it was written after the events took place. What characteristics does this document imbue El Cid with? What type of qualities are we supposed to associate with him?
  3. Given the characteristics associated with Alfonso VI and El Cid in these texts, what purpose do you think they served for those writing and reading these documents long after the events took place? Why characterize them in these ways?

Questions for the “on demand” discussion will be posted on the chatboard.

Recording and Powerpoint

Powerpoint: #6-Conquest, Crusade, and Frontier Society

Lecture recording: Conquest, Crusade, and Frontier Society

Assignments

  • The quiz will be posted on Friday afternoon. It will cover lecture material on Fragmentation and Conquest, Crusade, and Frontier Society. You will have until Friday, June 4th to complete it. Remember the quizzes are optional! You can write the final exam instead.
  • Your research proposal is due on Friday, May 28th at 5 p.m. For detailed information:
  • Please submit your research proposal to Blackboard.