Fall 2021

Middle Eastern History: 500–1700

Listed in: Asian Languages and Civilizations, as ASLC-126  |  History, as HIST-190

Formerly listed as: ASLC-26  |  HIST-19

Faculty

Monica M. Ringer (Section 01)

Description

(Offered as HIST 190 [ME/TC/TEP] and ASLC 126) This course surveys the history of the Middle East from the outset of the Islamic period to the beginning of the modern period. It is divided into the following segments: the formative period of Islam, the classical caliphates, the classical courts, the Mongols, and the great empires of the Ottomans and the Safavids. The course is organized chronologically and follows the making and breaking of empires and political centers; however, the focus of the course is on the intellectual, social, cultural and religious developments in these periods. Two class meetings per week.

The course is designed to have substantial preparation (online readings and occassionally powerpoint lectures) done in preparation for class sessions which will be devoted entirely to discussion. All readings are available online. There are frequent response papers due, but no formal papers. This course is an introduction to Middle Eastern history and anticipates no prior knowledge. 

Fall Semester. Professor Ringer.

Students who enroll in this course will likely encounter and be expected to engage in the following intellectual skills, modes of learning, and assessment: Close analysis of historical evidence, which may include written documents, images, music, films, or statistics from the historical period under study. Exploration of scholarly, methodological, and theoretical debates about historical topics. Extensive reading, varying forms of written work, and intensive in-class discussions. Students with documented disabilities who will require accommodations in this course should be in consultation with Accessibility Services and reach out to the faculty member as soon as possible to ensure that accommodations can be made in a timely manner.

If Overenrolled: discretion of instructor

HIST 190 - L/D

Section 01
Tu 10:00 AM - 11:20 AM CHAP 203
Th 10:00 AM - 11:20 AM CHAP 203

This is preliminary information about books for this course. Please contact your instructor or the Academic Coordinator for the department, before attempting to purchase these books.

ISBN Title Publisher Author(s) Comment Book Store Price
Muhammad and the Believers: At the Origins of Islam Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press (Belnap), 2010 Donner, Fred ebook at Frost TBD
In God's Path: The Arab Conquests and the Creation of an Islamic Empire Oxford University Press, Incorporated, 2014 Hoyland, Robert G ebook at Frost TBD

Offerings

2024-25: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Fall 2007, Spring 2011, Fall 2012, Fall 2013, Fall 2017, Spring 2019, Fall 2020, Fall 2021