This course examines major religious, social, and political
transformations in the Middle East (Southwest Asia and North
Africa) from the rise of Islam to the present. It pays special
attention to the region’s historical relationship with the West
(Europe and North America) and how this relationship continues to
shape the region. Class topics include the rise and spread of
Islam, Muslim beliefs and practices, the Crusades, the
Ottoman Empire and the world around it, the legacy of Western
colonialism, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, political Islam, the
Arab Spring, and contemporary Muslim cultures. This course fulfills
the CUL 6 requirements.
In this class, there is a strong emphasis on history, as well as politics and representation. We will problematize the widespread notion of Islam and/or Muslims as monolithic early on, focusing instead on the religion’s historical role as a source of social and cultural diversity. The topics of this class and the nature of our assignments will teach students transferrable skills that will prepare them well beyond this class, namely to meet the challenges that the globalization and the internationalization of local spaces have created (e.g., increased interaction between people of different nationalities and faiths). This class is a safe space for students to discuss their pressing concerns, questions, and issues. Course materials used will anchor the discussion and provide a common entry point.
In this class, there is a strong emphasis on history, as well as politics and representation. We will problematize the widespread notion of Islam and/or Muslims as monolithic early on, focusing instead on the religion’s historical role as a source of social and cultural diversity. The topics of this class and the nature of our assignments will teach students transferrable skills that will prepare them well beyond this class, namely to meet the challenges that the globalization and the internationalization of local spaces have created (e.g., increased interaction between people of different nationalities and faiths). This class is a safe space for students to discuss their pressing concerns, questions, and issues. Course materials used will anchor the discussion and provide a common entry point.
- Teacher: Irfana Hashmi