Early Islamic History, 600-1300

Catalog description

Beginning in Late Antiquity, this course follows the emergence of Islam as a religion and its influence on cultural practice; the formation of the first Islamic dynasties; the articulation of an Arab-Islamic high literary culture and the evolving role of women in Islam. The course will examine the complex relationships between different Middle Eastern ethnic and religious groups and conclude with an investigation of the impact of the Crusades. Fulfills History requirement: History of Religion.