introduction to arab and ismalic civilization

8/2/2019 Introduction to Arab and Ismalic Civilization

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Lebanese International University

CULT200, 3.00 cr, Introduction to Arab-Islamic Civilization

Spring 2012-2012

Nabatiyeh Campus

Class Schedule: T Th 8:-9:15, and 9:30-11:15

Office Hours: A Facebook group will be created for continuous discussion, otherwise

by appointment

Instructor: Abir Chaaban

Course Objective:

The aim of this course is to introduce the student to Arab and Muslim role in the

preservation and the transfer of knowledge from Latin and Greek and then the role of the

Crusades and Arabs of Spain in the transfer of the knowledge to Europe.

Learning Outcomes:

Understand the process of the transfer of centers of powers and the factors leading to the

preservation and the transfer of knowledge.

Discuss the role of the Umayyad in Arabization of the registrars of the Sassanide and the

Byzantine Empires consequently leading to translation of literature.Explain the political forces existing during the Golden Age of the Abbasids and the

beginning of translating Greek philosophy and the development of the arts and sciences in

Baghdad in what is known as the Arab Islamic civilization.Learn about the Arabs and Muslims in History.

Discuss the Role of the Muslims in Spain and the Crusades in the transfer of knowledgeleading to the Renaissance and the Scientific Revolution.

Required Material

Required Texts:

Tarabay, Ali and Wakim, Jamal Arabs and Muslims in History

Cleveland, William L. The Development of Islamic Civilization inA History of the

Modern Middle East(Third Edition) Part I pp. 5-57

Hitti, Philip, The Arabs: A Short History, ( Princeton University Press: 1949).

Internet Sources

The University of Calgary the Islamic World Until 1600

http://www.ucalgary.ca/applied_history/tutor/islam/index.html

History of Sciences and Technology in Islamhttp://www.history-science-technology.com/Articles/articles.htm
http://www.ucalgary.ca/applied_history/tutor/islam/index.htmlhttp://www.history-science-technology.com/Articles/articles.htmhttp://www.ucalgary.ca/applied_history/tutor/islam/index.htmlhttp://www.history-science-technology.com/Articles/articles.htm


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Film

Islam and Empire of Faith (PBS), this film will be viewed in class according to theschedule below

EvaluationParticipation, class discussions and evaluation 20%

Paper 20%

Midterm 20%

Final 40%

Participation: All students are expected to discuss the Film Islam an Empire of Faith after

viewing in three sessions of discussion that will follow the three parts of the film. Instructorwill provide topics of discussion during class.

Paper: The student will choose a topic from a list of suggested topics instructor will

provide. The student will write a critical well thought paper based on a thesis on the topic.

Exams: Exams test the students knowledge of material studied in class

Class Schedule

Week 1

What is Civilization?

Introduce ancient civilizations and understand the role of liberal thought in the

preservation, transfer and evolution of knowledge in urban centers of powers.

Key words, civilization, cities, city-state, tribal culture, nomads, knowledge, transfer ofknowledge

The Roman Empire center Rome (27BC-476)

Byzantine Empire center Constantinople (324-1453)Holy Roman Empire center (today) Germany (9621806)

Week 2, 3 the Roman Empire

The Byzantine EmpireAncient Persia

The Sassanide Empire

The Arabian Peninsula

Chapter 1Arabs and Muslims in History ( Tarabay and Wakim)

Week 4 and 5

Film: Islam an Empire of Faith Part One

Readings: The Rise and Expansion of Islam (Cleveland 5-19)

Chapter 2Arabs and Muslims in History ( Tarabay and Wakim)


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Week 6, 7, 8

Film: Islam an Empire of Faith Part Two

Chapter 3Arabsand Muslims in History ( Tarabay and Wakim)

Reading of the Crusades TBD

Week 7 Midterm exam

Week 9, 10, 11

Chapters4-9Arabsand Muslims in History ( Tarabay and Wakim)

The University of Calgary the Islamic World Until 1600

http://www.ucalgary.ca/applied_history/tutor/islam/index.html

Week 12, 13

The Transfer of Knowledge from Spain top Europe

Chapter 10Arabsand Muslims in History ( Tarabay and Wakim)

Week 14 Paper Class Discussion of Drafts

Week 14, 15

Film, Islam an Empire of Faith Part III

The Ottoman and the Safavid Empires: A New Imperial System (Cleveland 37-57)

The decline of Islamic Civilization
http://www.ucalgary.ca/applied_history/tutor/islam/index.htmlhttp://www.ucalgary.ca/applied_history/tutor/islam/index.html

introduction to arab and ismalic civilization

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