Introduction to Topics in History (292-0-24)
Topic
Traveling in the Early Islamic World
Instructors
Aisha Umair Valiulla
Meeting Info
Harris Hall L04: Mon, Wed 12:30PM - 1:50PM
Overview of class
For many people, the premodern Islamic world is a fabled Arabian Nights-type place, with princesses, domes, genies, and adventure. Popular depictions such as Aladdin (1992) emphasize perfumed women in harems, bearded sultans in turbans, deserts and palaces, sword and horse. But what was it really like? Using primary sources and scholarly literature, this course analyzes medieval Islamic history from the advent of Islam in the seventh century up to the aftermath of the Mongol conquests of the thirteenth century to understand the political, cultural, and socio-religious contours of the medieval Islamic world. Through the eyes of scholars, travelers, writers, and merchants, we will explore pluralism, mobility, and cosmopolitanism within the Dar al Islam, which stretched from the Atlantic to the South China Sea. We will study the foundations of Islamic belief and praxis, their transformations during the medieval period, and the theological debates that shaped them. In conjunction with political history, we will consider cultural, social, and literary history to illuminate an innovative, rich, and vibrant civilization. And we will interrogate historical narratives about this past and why, now more than ever, the medieval Islamic world needs to be revisited.
Learning Objectives
1. Contextualize and interpret primary sources
2. Critically evaluate scholarly narratives about the medieval Islamic world
3. Use evidence to create or refute historical arguments
4. Identify the ways in which the Dar al Islam was a globalizing force in terms of geographic and linguistic integration
5. Analyze the role of pluralism, interconnection, and cosmopolitanism in shaping medieval Islamic civilization
Evaluation Method
Response papers (40%), final reflection essay (30%), attendance & participation (30%)
Class Materials (Required)
All the assigned readings will be uploaded on Canvas
Class Notes
Concentration: Asia/Middle East, Global
Class Attributes
Historical Studies Distro Area