This course explores the history of the crusading era from 1095 to 1291, focusing in particular on European crusades to the Near East. The focus is on military, political, and religious history. Topics include: crusading preludes, Christian Just War theory, crusading spirituality, the military history of the First through Eighth Crusades, the Crusader States, medieval Judaism, medieval Islam, Muslim responses to the Crusades, jihad, and the life and career of Saladin.