| Description: | The course examines the attitude toward cultural differences and diversity in the Medieval and Early Modern period by exploring religious, social and political history. In Western Europe, religion was the strongest principle of identity and determined both social exclusion and perception of the cultural differences. The "others" were either outside or inside the borders of Christendom. The attitude towards Islam will be examined through the Crusades and the Spanish "Reconquest", together with cultural exchanges and commercial relationships. The course will also look at economic exploitation, forced conversion and genocide. These populations were within the boundaries of Christendom. Jewish communities were discriminated against and persecuted, but at the same time they were protected and tolerated. On the other hand, heretics had to be denounced and their mistakes were not tolerated, like witches, who were believed to be inspired by the devil and thus blamed for crimes that derived from collective fears, Europe's inner demons. |