Course Description
Examines the contested encounter between Europe and the Islamic World, from the medieval period until the present day. Topics will include the origins of Christianity and Islam; conquest and reconquest in the medieval era; the Habsburg-Ottoman rivalry; Orientalism; and the Christian-Muslim frontier in the modern period.
Athena Title
EURO ENCOUNTR ISLAM
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Students in this course will analyze the contested history of Christianity and Islam, from its medieval origins to the present day. Objectives will include: Exploration of diverse approaches to the history of religion, including theology and doctrine, institutional history, social history of religious practice, and cultural history; Practice in the critical reading of primary and secondary sources, with attention to context, language, perspective, influences, audience, and reception; Development of written expression in both reviews of secondary sources and research papers based on primary sources; Discussion of a variety of topics, including both open discussions and more structured exercises such as group work, debates, and student presentations; Familiarity with essential online research tools, journals and bibliographic resources. Assessment will include exams, papers, in-class writing, presentations, and discussion.
Topical Outline
Introduction: Samuel Huntington and the Clash of Civilizations Origins: Genesis, the Gospels and the Quran Muhammad and the Early Expansion of Islam Al-Andalus: Conflict, Conversion, and Assimilation in the Land of Three Faiths Crusades: Christians at the Crossroads of Civilizations Enemies at the Gate: Ottomans, Venetians, and Habsburgs Napoleonic Invasion of Egypt: Al-Jabarti's view of the French Edward Said: Orientalism in the Post-Enlightenment Era Europe and Islam in the Age of World Wars Decolonization: French Algeria What's in a Headscarf? Muslims in Modern Europe Conclusion: The Clash of Civilizations Revisited