Jewish Society in Islamic Lands, 632-1517

Exploration of the political, cultural, and religious history of Jews in the Islamic world from the rise of Islam to the 16th century. Topics to be covered include the historical relationship between Judaism and Islam, the organization and structure of the Jewish community and developments of Jewish law, philosophy, religious writing and literature. Particular attention will be given to points of contact between the two societies and the ways in which the Jewish experiences was shaped by the surrounding Islamic environment.