Gold LEAF Institute Course Catalogue

In-Person

The Crusades were military expeditions launched between 1095 and 1291. They were organized by European Christians to recover the Holy Land from the infidels. Enthusiasm for crusading was high in the twelfth century but diminished with the decline of papal authority and the stirrings of the Protestant Reformation.

The era of the Crusades was distinguished by a variety of personalities: kings, queens, emperors, and princes. The events are the basis for mythologies, legends, and countless novels (usually very poor history but entertaining). In this class, you will be introduced to some of the interesting participants, the major events, and the influence of the Crusades on the expansion of medieval Europe.

4 Sessions

April 9, 16. 23. 30, 2025

10:30 am - 12 pm

Location:  The Landing, Olsen Learning Ctr, lower level

Charles Parker received a BS in Plant Science and a Master’s in Education at the University of New Hampshire.

Charles and his wife Diane ended up in Joplin, Missouri where he taught chemistry. He also taught at Crowder Junior College in Webb City and Missouri Southern State University in Joplin.

What does chemistry have to do with Middle Eastern history? Absolutely nothing. However, when he retired from teaching chemistry, Charles realized a long-held dream of a Master’s degree in history. He attended Pittsburg State University in Kansas and was deeply impressed with the classes of Dr. Stephen Harmon, whose specialty was Middle Eastern/North African history, specifically Middle Eastern and African terrorist groups. His thesis discussed the legitimacy of Hamas. He has taught several classes related to Middle Eastern history and hopes to continue.