Islamic History: Consolidation, Expansion and Empire 1000 - 1800

Undergraduate

This is a survey course that explores the middle and early modern periods of Islamic history from 1000 to 1800 C.E. The middle period was one of continuing change and innovation as new political and religious institutions were developed. Throughout this period, the influence of Islamic civilization continued to expand to new regions including sub-Saharan Africa, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia. From 1500-1800 C.E. Muslims founded the Ottoman, Safavid, and Mughal empires. The subjects of these empires adopted new technologies and new patterns of trade as participants in the developing new world economy. The close of the course will be devoted to considering growing European dominance over these empires over the course of the 18th century, and the military and reforming modernizing schemes adopted by Muslims in response. (3 lecture hours per week.)