Relations among Jews, Christians, and Muslims have been seen historically as adversary, with mutual attitudes of animosity shaped by religious beliefs and polemic. This course will examine closely how Jews, Christians, and Muslims talked about each other in their religious and polemical works. Though these works are evidence of conflict, a close reading of these works will reveal a level of knowledge and understanding of the culture and beliefs of the other.
We will read works written by Jews, Christians, and Muslims looking at their foundational texts, as well as explicit works of polemic. But the course will also examine other ways in which religious groups mark boundaries and engage in a dialogue: rituals, poetry, and art. |