For seven centuries (711 A.D. - 1492), part of the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal) fell under Muslim rule. Al-Andalus with its cultural diversity, unique architecture (Alhambra in Granada), art and intellectual activity became 'the ornament of the world.' There arose a contested state of coexistence (termed convivencia by Spanish historians) amongst Christian, Jewish and Muslim cultures. These three distinctive intellectual and religious communities bore witness to significant cultural achievements until the downfall of Al-Andalus. In this course, students will explore the multi-cultural world of Muslim Spain through the analysis of selected texts from literature and philosophy. The diversity of the artistic expression through dance, music, and architecture in all three cultures will also be studied.