HIST 575: Approaches to Middle East and Islamic History

HIST 575-001: Approaches to Mid-East/Islam History
(Spring 2018)

07:20 PM to 10:00 PM W

Section Information for Spring 2018

Why does Islamic history imply medieval times whereas that of the Middle East directs our attention to the modern era? How do these histories differ or coalesce in time and space? Is Islam the most defining signifier in studying histories of Muslim societies? What have been conventional and revisionist ways of studying these fields among modern historians? In response to these and similar questions, this course aims to serve as an in-depth introduction to major themes, problems, and interpretations of Middle Eastern and Islamic history. Innovative and representative texts of historical writing from ten different topics, such as origins of Islam, colonialism, and gender, will be examined. We will highlight and discuss critical concepts, methodologies, ideological biases, cultural undertones, schools of thought, and theoretical frameworks in contemporary historiography. Existing paradigms will be critiqued and new approaches will be put to scrutiny. Different ways of historical thinking, analysis, and writing will be explored. Peculiarities of Middle Eastern and Islamic history and its shared rhythms with broader world history will be emphasized. The purpose of the course is to expose students to the subtleties of historian’s craft, explore historical literature on selective topics, and endow them with skills to critically engage with scholarship in Islamic and Middle Eastern history.

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Course Information from the University Catalog

Credits: 3

Introduces students to the central issues and debates surrounding the study of the Middle East, Islam, and Muslim societies. Covers key methodological issues including the role of area studies vis-a-vis disciplinary approaches and debates on the politics of knowledge production and historiography. May not be repeated for credit.
Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.

Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

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