HS 239 - History of the Crusades

(3.00 cr.)

The international conflict known as The Crusades began as a Western European expedition to assist the Byzantine Empire to defend its borders against Middle Eastern Islamic enemies. However, instead of simply providing that small defensive force, two armies assembled, one of peasants and one of soldiers. Ultimately, the soldiers would achieve their goals: capturing Jerusalem, reclaiming the Holy Land, and establishing a number of crusader kingdoms. Their expedition would also set the stage for centuries of warfare between those crusaders (and their descendants) and forces, largely Islamic, which also held claim to the Holy Land. Students study the early history of the Crusades, from both the Christian and non-Christian view, as well as their effect on the early modern and modern history of the world.

Prerequisite: HS 100 .
Restrictions: Open to students with catalogue year 2022-2023 or beyond.

Sessions Typically Offered: Varies
Years Typically Offered: Varies

Interdisciplinary Studies: CU/ICL/IGE/IM