HIST 0263
Relig & Polit in Islamic Hist
Religion and Politics in Islamic History
In this course, we will examine the relationship between religion and politics in Islamic history, from the rise of Islam in seventh-century Arabia until modern times. We will use a range of primary and secondary sources including translations of original Arabic, Persian, Turkish and Urdu texts. Our focus will be mainly on historical trends in the Middle East and North Africa, with some discussion of the Indian subcontinent. Through a chronological and thematic approach, we will explore relevant examples of politicized Islam such as the notion of the Caliphate; the rise of Islamic governments (Sunni and Shi'a); the development of Islamic fundamentalism; Wahhabism; Islamic reformism; reactions to secularism and colonialism; and modern Islamic political activism. 3 hrs. lect./disc.
In this course, we will examine the relationship between religion and politics in Islamic history, from the rise of Islam in seventh-century Arabia until modern times. We will use a range of primary and secondary sources including translations of original Arabic, Persian, Turkish and Urdu texts. Our focus will be mainly on historical trends in the Middle East and North Africa, with some discussion of the Indian subcontinent. Through a chronological and thematic approach, we will explore relevant examples of politicized Islam such as the notion of the Caliphate; the rise of Islamic governments (Sunni and Shi'a); the development of Islamic fundamentalism; Wahhabism; Islamic reformism; reactions to secularism and colonialism; and modern Islamic political activism. 3 hrs. lect./disc.