Crusades

Do you think that the effects of the Crusades still affect Christian & Muslim attitudes & views towards each other today?  Think about the portrayal of each group today in TV, the Web, movies, newspapers, & other media.  Please explain your answer.

Separation of Church & State

During this week's class, we discussed the emergence of the idea of separation of church & state.  When the Cluny monks developed this idea, they believed that it was the state that should stay out of church affairs.  Today, people view this concept entirely different.  Many people erroneously believe that the concept originated in the US Constitution, rather it is part of a document that Thomas Jefferson wrote to the Danbury Baptist Association in 1802.  What are your thoughts on the concept of separation of church & state?  How does it fit into your America?

Chess & Feudalism

How do the pieces, moves, and overall strategy of the game of chess relate to the roles and function of feudalism?  What is the symbolism between the two?  How does the game of chess symbolize politics & the quest for power & authority?  Finally, how does the game of chess challenge you?