Course Catalog

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Course Catalog

HISTORY OF THE MIDDLE EAST II (HI1016)

This course examines the historical development of the Middle East from the rise of the Ottoman Empire to its decline, and later from colonial rule to national independences. It covers the Arab World, Turkey and Iran and follows four main general themes: Reform, Colonialism, Nationalism and Revolution. The course is divided into two main sections which are organised chronologically and thematically. The first part of the course deals with the formation of the Ottoman Empire, its expansion, and the rise of Safavids in Persia. It then covers the reform movements in the Ottoman and Persian (Qajar) Empires, the influence of Europe and the political and social upheaval brought about by the outbreak of revolutions in the early 20th century. Indigenous responses to European penetration and indigenous reform are analysed through an understanding of revolutionary movements, and the rise of nationalism. The second part of the course examines the emergence of states in the Arab World, the British French accords and declarations, the question of Palestine and the Zionist activism and the debates around Secularism vs. Islam.

TOPICS IN HISTORY (HI1091)

Topics vary by semester

FIRSTBRIDGE IN HISTORY (HI1099)

Firstbridge courses are offered to degree seeking freshmen and registration is done via webform in pre-arrival checklist.

TOPICS IN HISTORY (HI1910)

Topics vary by semester

FRENCH REVOLUTION & NAPOLEON (HI2001)

Examines French history between 1770 and 1815: the rise of the modern monarchical state, population growth and increased commercial wealth calling for flexibility and innovation, new values of the Enlightenment urging a rethinking of traditional beliefs and practices, war and bankruptcy precipitating revolution and bringing to power men such as Robespierre and Napoleon.

FRANCE IN THE MODERN WORLD (HI2002)

Studies the social revolution in 19th-century France as it corresponded to the new sense of justice in French society. Examines the redefinition of France's place in the modern world in the 20th century, and focuses on French military defeat and the dismantlement of empire as well as on the present leadership of France in the building of a new Europe.

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF SLAVERY IN GLOBAL CONTEXT (HI2008)

This course explores the diversity—and evolving meaning—of slavery in human society. Students will study the experience of slavery as well its legal structure, economic and
political function, and cultural representation in a variety of contexts ranging from classical antiquity to Mughal India and the American South.

SITUATING THE MIDDLE EAST I (HI2010)

The Middle East is a region of great diversity with different histories, cultures, languages and populations. It constitutes nevertheless a systematic entity, with close interrelations, and many common political, cultural and socio-economical challenges. The course will explore the cultural, political, ethnic and geographical realities of the region (historically and in the present). It will present as well the ongoing debates and themes in major political and cultural circles.

EARLY ISLAMIC HISTORY (HI2011)

This course offers an introduction to the first century and a half of Islamic society, 600-700 AD. It builds on knowledge of ways of writing about the past which students have acquired in earlier courses. The focus of the course is the rise and development of the religion of Islam and the key events and figures in the process. They will read extracts by those who wrote history in the early Islamic centuries – and those who have approached early Islam and is history in the global North, notably since he nineteenth century.

THE HISTORICAL FOUNDATIONS OF LAW (HI2020)

This course is designed to introduce students to the historical foundations of legal thought and to cultivate literacy in legal reasoning. The course provides an essential resource for our future global citizens by exploring key legal texts, histories and cases and familiarizing students with the historical origins of key contemporary legal issues.