This discussion is required and is worth up to (10) points. An additional two (2) points can be had through “Early Bird Submission.”
For this forum, research and compose your main posting (500 words or so) on ONE (1) of the following themes in Ridley-Scott’s Film Kingdom of Heaven, analyzing the extent to which its treatment is historically accurate or fictionalized. Back up your assessment with reference to whatever primary and secondary sources you choose to include, working from the “Research Resources at Your Disposal” provided on the Agenda Page for Week 9 (March 22-28).
Possible themes from which you may pick:
> the character Balian of Ibelin and his role in events
> the character Baldwin IV “The Leper King” and his role in events
> the character Sibylla and her role in events
> the character Guy de Lusignan and his role in events
> the character Reynald of Chatillon and his role in events
> the character Saladin and his role in events
> the depiction of Frankish government (i.e., institutions of government) and international diplomacy throughout the film
> the depiction of the royal succession, and factional politics over succession, in the Latin kingdom of the period
> the depiction of warfare throughout the film
> the depiction of the causality of the battle of Hattin (i.e., the events leading up to it) and what transpired there
> the depiction of the siege of Jerusalem by Saladin, the negotiations leading to its surrender, and the fate of the surviving Franks
Once again, as with all forum assignments, basic expectations are that you put up three postings. The main posting should be a reasoned response to the discussion prompt, totaling ca. 500 words. You are required to buttress your arguments with carefully chosen references to assigned readings in lessons covered to date. If these are missing, points will be deducted. Likewise references to sources other than assigned lesson readings will not be accepted (e.g., random “internet” scourings). There is no format for footnotes — a simple parenthesis is fine. For example, (Madden, p. x). The additional two postings are your comment or critique on two other members’ main posting. These should be around a hundred (100) words, and again references to assigned readings will boost your score. You will not be able to post your critique comments until after you post your own main posting.
