Islamic History
HIST 1750
Understanding Historical Change: Introduction to Islamic History and Culture
(ca. 600 – ca. 1400)
Fall 2014
MR 10:00-11:15 & 11:30-12:45 @ Keating Hall 219
Dr. Ebru Turan
Dealy Hall, R 630
Email: turan@fordham.eduPhone: 718.817.4199
Office Hours: MR: 2:00-3:45 pm (or by appointment)
Course Description:
This course reviews the development of Islamic history and culture from the rise of Islam (ca. 600) to the fifteenth century. Drawing on an interdisciplinary approach that integrates insights from political, intellectual, and cultural history, it explores the dynamic and complex historical processes in which Islam emerged and developed as a religious and cultural tradition in the Near East, North Africa, Spain, and Central Asia. By reading various political, philosophical, theological, legal, mystical and literary writings, the students will not only learn about the major events, facts, and concepts of medieval Islamic history but also gain knowledge of the multifaceted religious, geographic, social, and aesthetic contexts and processes that defined the pluralistic Islamic world. The broader aim of the course is to provide the students with an informed and critical historical perspective to enable them to understand not only the modern perceptions of Islam but also engage with current issues and developments in the broader Islamic world.
Course Requirements:
1• Attendance is mandatory and will be taken at every class meeting. You are expected to come to class prepared, having done all assigned readings, and actively participate in class discussions.
2• There will be a map quiz, two unannounced pop-up quizzes based on the primary sources, a midterm, two short paper assignments, and a final exam. You cannot take the exam at another time if you miss class on that day.
3• Paper assignments: You are required to submit a 2-3 page-long paper analyzing a primary source assigned in the readings (2 in total). Questions will be posted on
Understanding Historical Change: Introduction to Islamic History and Culture
(ca. 600 – ca. 1400)
Fall 2014
MR 10:00-11:15 & 11:30-12:45 @ Keating Hall 219
Dr. Ebru Turan
Dealy Hall, R 630
Email: turan@fordham.eduPhone: 718.817.4199
Office Hours: MR: 2:00-3:45 pm (or by appointment)
Course Description:
This course reviews the development of Islamic history and culture from the rise of Islam (ca. 600) to the fifteenth century. Drawing on an interdisciplinary approach that integrates insights from political, intellectual, and cultural history, it explores the dynamic and complex historical processes in which Islam emerged and developed as a religious and cultural tradition in the Near East, North Africa, Spain, and Central Asia. By reading various political, philosophical, theological, legal, mystical and literary writings, the students will not only learn about the major events, facts, and concepts of medieval Islamic history but also gain knowledge of the multifaceted religious, geographic, social, and aesthetic contexts and processes that defined the pluralistic Islamic world. The broader aim of the course is to provide the students with an informed and critical historical perspective to enable them to understand not only the modern perceptions of Islam but also engage with current issues and developments in the broader Islamic world.
Course Requirements:
1• Attendance is mandatory and will be taken at every class meeting. You are expected to come to class prepared, having done all assigned readings, and actively participate in class discussions.
2• There will be a map quiz, two unannounced pop-up quizzes based on the primary sources, a midterm, two short paper assignments, and a final exam. You cannot take the exam at another time if you miss class on that day.
3• Paper assignments: You are required to submit a 2-3 page-long paper analyzing a primary source assigned in the readings (2 in total). Questions will be posted on