Due Date: June 21st at 5 pm.

Please submit via the course website. Details on how to do so will be coming!

For this project, you can create a podcast episode which explores either medieval Spanish history and popular imagination through Guy Gavriel Kay’s novel, The Lions of al-Rassan OR a topic on medieval Spanish history.

Requirements:

  • Your podcast episode should be approximately 30 minutes in length. 
  • Please include a bibliography formatted according to the style of your major.
  • You can choose the format of your podcast episode: interview, solo-presenter, non-fiction story… it is really up to you! Add in music.
  • Make sure to have an introduction bringing the listener into your episode and a conclusion wrapping it all up. 
  • Remember to draw your material from your primary and secondary sources.

Option One: Medieval Spanish History and Popular Imagination

For this option, base your podcast episode on exploring an aspect of The Lions of al-Rassan according to the format below.

  • Explore an aspect of Kay’s novel that presents a historically AUTHENTIC representation of some aspects of medieval Spanish history.
  • Consider an aspect of Kay’s novel that is historically inauthentic.
  • Discuss the role of the fantasy genre plays in allowing the author leeway in his interpretation of these aspects of medieval Spanish history.
  • Make sure to: use quotations from the novel, your primary sources, and your secondary sources.

Option Two: Medieval Spanish History

For this option, you can explore any topic related to medieval Spanish history. Remember that your podcast episode is only 30 minutes long, so you’ll want it to be fairly focused. 

Remember to:

  • Provide context for your topic: What was going on during that time period and place? What background information does your listener need to understand the topic?
  • Include specific examples and provide factual information (dates, place, names). 
  • Highlight any debates by historians (known as historiography) regarding your topic. Use examples from your secondary sources.
  • Use examples from your primary sources, including quotations and analysis of this material.