Al-ndalus: economy,

science and philosophy

Introduction

Cultural and economic development of Al-Andalus lived up to the other

Muslim and Oriental civilizations being home to great thinkers, artists and
merchants. It was in medieval Europe a bridge between the Christian
kingdoms of the north and refined oriental world of that time

Task
You must team up in groups of 6 to
7 people.
Each group will perform one of the
tasks specified below using the
internet resources to respond to
the questions.

Task 1: Economy
Task 2: Culture and Philosophy
Task 3: Science

Process
Group 1. Economy

What were the main economic activities in Al-Andalus?

Which innovations were introduced into agriculture?
How was trading and commerce in Al-Andalus?
Research the currency that was used in Al-Andalus. How was it? How much worth?

Group 2. Culture and Philosophy

Two great philosophers lived during the Andalusi period, who were them? Why were they so
important?
To which school of thought did they belong?
Define moaxaja and zejel and give an exemple of each
How was de music in Al-Andalus and who was the main musitian?

Group 3. Scientific and technological development

In which scientific fields did the Andalusi scientist focus?

From where did they lernt all their knowledge?
Was Europe as advanced as Al-Andalus in scientific matters? Why?
Mention some of the scientific and tecnological innovations that reached Christian Europe through
contact wirh Al-ndalus

Resources
General resources
http://www.historiasiglo20.org/HE/2e.htm
http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al-%C3%81ndalus
http://www.legadoandalusi.es/
http://www.arabespanol.org/andalus/historia.htm

Group 1: Economy
http://historiaparaaburrir.blogspot.co.uk/2012/01/economia-en-al-andalus.html

Group 2: Culture and Philosophy

http://www.portalplanetasedna.com.ar/ave_mai.htm
http://filosofia.idoneos.com/index.php/333585

Group 3: Science
http://www.alandalusylaciencia.es/visita-al-pabellon/la-ciencia-en-al-andalus/

Evaluation
Individual evaluation
of each student

Needs to
get better
(1-4)

Good
(5-6)

Very good
(7-8)

Excelent
(9-10)

Use of Internet*
Formal aspects of the
report*
Co-working*

You have used the suggested websites, performed the task correctly and sought
information on Google
You have written your report whithout grammar and spelling mistakes
You have collaborated with your colleagues in writing the report expressing your
ideas and listening to others

Evaluacin
Group work
evaluation

Needs to get
better
(1-4)

Good
(5-6)

Very Good
(7-8)

Excelent
(9-10)

Group report*
Report
content*

The report was prepared with the participation of all members of the group
You have made the task following the guidelines and answered all the questions
correctly

Conclusion
What new things do you think you have learnt?
Has the perception of your city and the history of your
country changed after this exercise?
Do you think that knowing the history of Al-Andalus is
important to undertand other cultures?
Would you like to know more about Al-Andalus? Why?