Research Seminar (395-0-24)

Topic

Traveling the Islamic World

Instructors

Aisha Valiulla

Meeting Info

Locy Hall 213: Mon, Wed 9:30AM - 10:50AM

Overview of class

Traveling the Islamic World

This is a research seminar that explores the concepts of mobility, cosmopolitanism, polyglotism, pluralism, and morality in the context of the medieval Islamic world between 900 and 1550 CE. Through the eyes of itinerants such as scholars, diplomats, sailors, merchants, physicians, and poets, we will travel the length and breadth of the Islamic world, which stretched from the Atlantic in the west to the South China Sea in the east. Topics will include: maritime trade and the role of wonder, astronomy and navigation, diplomatic embassies between Baghdad, the Volga River, and Delhi (to name a few), travel-writing and pilgrimage, dynasties of slave-kings, and the world's first memoir in Chaghatai Turkic, written by none other than Babur (d. 1530), the founder of the Mughal Empire in India. Students will conduct guided research using primary and secondary sources to produce a historical argument backed by evidence.

Registration Requirements

Juniors and Seniors Only

Learning Objectives

1) Analyze and synthesize primary and secondary sources to articulate a written argument 2) Conduct a research inquiry from hypothesis to conclusion/essay 3) Understand the role of pluralism and mobility in the creation and sustenance of the medieval Islamic(ate) world

Evaluation Method

Research essay, group work, participation, and writing assignments

Class Notes

History Major Concentration(s): Asia/Middle East, Africa/Middle East
History Minor Concentration(s): Middle East, Africa, Asia, Environment

Class Attributes

Advanced Expression
Historical Studies Foundational Discipline
Historical Studies Distro Area

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Registration is restricted to History Majors and Minors only until the end of pre-registration, after which time enrollment will be open to everyone who has taken the prerequisites (if any) Freshmen may not register for this course.