Modern Eurasia: Afghanistan and Central Asia

3 units

This course offers an introduction to the political, religious, cultural and social history of Russian Central Asia, Afghanistan, and Xinjiang in modern times, with a focus on the last century. Students will consider the complex relationship between historical notions of Islam and modernity as a central analytical lens for understanding this region's contemporary history, and in particular, highlight the central role of the Muslim faith as a source of inspiration, consternation and anxiety among rulers, reformers, conquerors, and modernizers.