HIS 344 - Classical Islam and the Middle East

(4)

Explores context for rise of Islam, its expansion, intellectual flourishing in Middle Ages, and encounters with Westerners during crusades. Special attention paid to religious, cultural, social and economic environment of early and medieval Islam and relationship of Islam and Christianity as Abrahamic religions. Students read and analyze the Qur’an, visit local mosque for Friday prayers, meet and interact with Muslims.
(Alternate years.)