Middle Eastern Studies 391A - S-IslamicSocty&Culture/MdlAges

This course examines the formation of new social and cultural patterns in the medieval Islamic period. It begins with a historical survey of the formative period between the 7th and 9th centuries, and then examines key ideas and developments in the coalescence of Islamic civilization. Readings combine primary sources in translation and analytic summaries from secondary literature. These include coverage of religious texts, material culture, and contemporary treatises and travel accounts.