Medieval Crusades: The Final Cut

This thesis is a pedagogical project that considers an alternative use of dramatic films when teaching the crusades from 1095 through 1300. Currently, digital media plays a significant role in everyday life but has yet to be fully utilized within the history classroom. Even with the growing usage of films in the classroom, they still present historians with a variety of issues, specifically the historical drama. This thesis includes a review of current practices regarding film’s use in the history classroom and showcases the adjusted approach through a class syllabus and a project guideline available in the appendices. The adjusted quantity and method of analysis of films allow for significant visual representation and reinforcement of themes while conveying empathy that helps to close the temporal gap.