This course examines the history of the pre-modern Middle East from the genesis of Islam in seventh century Arabia to the advent of Western power and dominance in the region. The course covers religious, cultural, and socio-economic developments in the Middle East. In addition to examining the origins of the Qur’an and Muhammud’s proselytizing mission in the Arabian Peninsula, the course analyzes the reasons for Islam’s rapid political takeover of territory stretching from Spain to Central Asia. It also examines how the conquered territories and peoples exerted a strong formative influence on the development of Islam. The Islam’s numerous philosophic, scientific, and technological achievements which marked a period of progress in the European Middle Ages are stressed.
Foundations Program
This course fulfills the Forum requirement in the Foundations Program.