History Adv Special Topics: (387-0-70)
Topic
Slavery in the Islamic World
Instructors
Dahlia El Zein
Meeting Info
Northwestern Qatar Room 2-255: Mon, Wed 8:30AM - 9:45AM (AST)
Overview of class
This course explores the history of slavery in the Islamic world from the rise of Islam in the 7th century to the 20th century. It moves chronologically from early Islam to the twentieth century, tracing its evolution across various regions, including the Middle East, West, North, and East Africa, and the Indian Ocean world. It connects practices of enslavement in the Islamic world over time to global slaving practices, which have existed since the outset of ancient human societies. Key topics include the roles of slaves in Islamic societies, such as soldiers, concubines, and administrators, and the diverse experiences of enslaved men, women, and children. Students will investigate slave trading networks, including the Trans-Saharan and Indian Ocean trades, and explore how slavery intersected with race, gender, and class stratification, as well as imperial expansion. The course also addresses colonial interventions, abolition movements, and the legacies of slavery in contemporary Muslim societies. Using a range of primary sources, scholarly texts, literature, and mixed-media, students will critically engage with the historical narratives and debates surrounding slavery in the Islamic world. By the end of the course, students will gain a nuanced understanding of the varied forms of slavery (or slaveries) in Islamic societies and their impact on cultural, political, and social history.
Registration Requirements
- Prerequisites: None
- Open for cross-registration
- Open for Sophomores and above
Enrollment Requirements
Enrollment Requirements: Registration is reserved for sophomore, juniors, and seniors only.