History is the process of understanding texts and their contexts. We learn about history through the documents and artifacts left by those who came before us. The historical essays in this course provide the opportunity to analyze a variety of primary source documents in order to engage with the context of key historical figures.

Christianity and Islam
Conduct research to learn about the roles and expansions of Christianity and Islam in medieval and early modern times.
Explore primary source material available on internet archives such as:
J.M. Dawson Institute of Church-State Studies (opens in a new window)
The Internet Islamic History Sourcebook (opens in a new window)
Respond to the following questions in a cohesive essay, with an introduction, a series of body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Incorporate direct references to the primary source(s).
Describe the role of Christianity in medieval and early modern Europe and its expansion beyond Europe,
Describe the role of Islam and its impact on Arabia, Africa, Europe, and Asia.
How did Christianity and Islam influence the cultures around them? How did they influence each other?
Requirements

Cohesive essay, incorporates an introduction, a series of body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
Incorporates direct references to primary source(s).
Comprehensively and insightfully addresses all prompts:
Describe the role of Christianity in medieval and early modern Europe and its expansion beyond Europe,
Describe the role of Islam and its impact on Arabia, Africa, Europe, and Asia. (ESM 1.2 d.)
How did Christianity and Islam influence the cultures around them? How did they influence each other?
Writes with authority citing only authoritative sources through paraphrasing rather than direct quotation.