For this format, you can choose any topic related to medieval Spanish history that interests you. I am more than happy to help you decide on a topic!
This topic can be one we touched on in class or one that we have not explored. You can look at particular historical figures (specific kings, queens, religious leaders, military leaders, poets, artists), specific groups (Jews, Muslims, conversos, moriscos, nuns, monks, church authorities, artisans, women, intellectuals, military orders etc.), particular events (military battles, religious disputations, systemic violence against minorities, construction of churches/palaces/public spaces, religious processions, religious holidays, the Black Death), or specific topics (medicine, scientific activity, translation schools, economic roles, interfaith relations, marriage, family life, gender roles, sexuality etc.).
Option A: Research Essay
The proposal for your research essay should include:
- A list of the potential research questions that will guide your project. These questions should be open-ended. For example, you might ask “What were the experiences of Jewish women in medieval Catalonia?” instead of “Did Jewish women have any agency in medieval Catalonia?”
- A discussion of why these research questions interest you and how you might go about answering them. At this point, you should NOT have a thesis statement as that will develop as you do further research. (two to three paragraphs)
- Two shorter primary sources or one longer primary source. Please include a brief summary of these sources and why you think they will be helpful for your project.
- Four secondary sources (academic articles or books). Please include a brief summary of these secondary sources and why you think they will be helpful for your project. At this point of your research, you only need to have read one of them (the article you focused on for your Source Analysis).
Option B: Artistic Representation
The proposal for your artistic representation should include:
- A discussion of what topic you plan to explore in your artistic representation. Develop this discussion around a research question, for example “What did the daily lives of Jewish women look like in medieval Catalonia?” (one paragraph)
- A description of the artistic medium you have chosen and why you want to work in it for this project. (one paragraph)
- A brief description of what you hope your finished artistic piece will look like (one paragraph). At this point, you are proposing a potential shape for the project but it can, and probably will, change as you continue with your research and artistic work.
Option C: Teaching Tool
The proposal for your teaching tool should include:
- A brief description of what historical topic your teaching tool will focus on and why (one paragraph).
- An overview of what this tool might look like, who it is intended for, and your educational goals of it: (two paragraphs)
- will it be a lesson plan? a video? a podcast? a “wikipedia” type entry?
- What age group is your tool aimed at? Why have you chosen that group?
- What do you hope educators will get out of your tool?
- Two shorter primary sources or one longer primary source. Please include a brief summary of these sources and why you think they will be helpful for your project.
- Four secondary sources (academic articles or books). Please include a brief summary of these secondary sources and why you think they will be helpful for your project. At this point of your research, you only need to have read one of them (the article you focused on for your Source Analysis).
Option D: Podcast Episode (note: you can do a podcast episode as a teaching tool OR one intended for the broader public)
The proposal for your podcast episode should include:
- A brief description of what historical topic your podcast episode will focus on and why. (one paragraph)
- An overview of the potential format your podcast will take. Will you “interview” potential guests? Develop a non-fiction story? (one paragraph)
- Two shorter primary sources or one longer primary source. Please include a brief summary of these sources and why you think they will be helpful for your project.
- Four secondary sources (academic articles or books). Please include a brief summary of these secondary sources and why you think they will be helpful for your project. At this point of your research, you only need to have read one of them (the article you focused on for your Source Analysis).