Tag: History

Women, Islam and the Law

As I look back on the combined readings that we’ve had so far throughout this class, I’m struck by the simple idea that Islam – at least at a fundamental level – has the potential for gender equality, yet also has the potential for misogyny.  The readings this week seem to point to one of … Continue reading Women, Islam and the Law →

Ethics vs. Pragmatism in Islam’s Age of Expansion

The readings this week highlighted an aspect of Islam that I was unware of but that links it with both Christianity and Judaism – the matter of interpretation.  Being raised in a strict Christian home, I grew up believing that there was a singular Christianity, a singular Judaism and a singular Islam – although, to … Continue reading Ethics vs. Pragmatism in Islam’s Age of Expansion →

Do Muslim Women Need to be Saved?

From the readings and the videos provided in this module, regardless of whether any prior knowledge and/or bias was present prior to the start of this term, it’s clear that the question of the “salvation” of Muslim women is a complex, nuanced and difficult subject that cannot be easily answered.  To be honest, I’ve wrestled … Continue reading Do Muslim Women Need to be Saved? →

Cross-Cultural Exchange

It’s clear from the early readings of this module that a lot had changed in the landscape and structure of Native American communities prior to their first contact with European explorers or settlers reached North America.[1]  As contact between Europeans and Indians increased, however, the nature of their contact and relationship changed depending on the … Continue reading Cross-Cultural Exchange →

Crises of the 14th Century, part 3 – The Western Schism and Babylonian Captivity

Along with the crises of the Black Plague which devastated much of Europe and crippled society and the 100 Years War, which cost hundreds of lives on both sides of the conflict, the Western Schism affected the Papacy and its effective rule over Christendom.  It began with the Babylonian Captivity which moved the seat of … Continue reading Crises of the 14th Century, part 3 – The Western Schism and Babylonian Captivity →

Crises of the 14th Century, Part 2: The 100 Years War

The 100 Years war between England and France over the right to rule tore apart two of Europe's most notable powers and often had tragic, horrific consequences.  An epic, late medieval power struggle began as the succession of the throne of France came under dispute.  Although England displayed stunning successive victories, the outcome of the … Continue reading Crises of the 14th Century, Part 2: The 100 Years War →

Tampa Explorations – Ybor and the Carnival

My wife and I went on our traditional, post-tax refund trip to Tampa today to visit Ikea and pick up some new furniture for the house.  Since I disdain driving on interstates, we try to take the back roads to Tampa from our home in Clearwater as much as possible.  Thankfully, this is usually possible, … Continue reading Tampa Explorations – Ybor and the Carnival →