Topics in Premodern World History: Empires of the Desert

Course Description

Cross-cultural themes in premodern African, Asian, or Latin American/Caribbean history explored in a world context, such as: Merchants, Trade, and Cultural Encounters; Islam in Asia and Africa; Ancient American Empires. Notes: May be repeated for credit when topic of study changes.

Syllabus

Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:

Students successfully completing this course will be able to:

  • Describe dynamic elements of different cultures. These elements may include (but are not limited to) aesthetic systems, communication systems, economics, physical environments, ethics, gender norms, geography, history, politics, religious principles, social beliefs, norms and practices. (Assessed through in-class primary source assignments and Exams).

  • Explain how similarities, differences, and connections among different groups of people or environmental systems affect one another over time and place. (Assessed through Final Project).

Course Grading Information:

Activity/Performance Measure

Percentage/Points

In-Class Assignments

5%

Class Participation

5%

Map Assignment

10%

Research/Writing Paper Assignments

10%

Exams 1-3

45%

Final Project

25%

Grading Scale

Percentage

Letter Grade

93-100

A

90-92

A-

87-89

B+

83-86

B

80-82

B-

77-79

C+

73-76

C

70-72

C-

67-69

D+

63-66

D

60-62

D-

0-59

F

Attendance/Participation:

Attendance is mandatory and I will take attendance at the beginning of each class. You may miss three classes during the semester, after which your class participation grade will be docked 3 points for each absence.

If you miss more than six classes, I will drop your final grade by three points per absence and /or reserve the right to drop you from the course.

Course Materials Purchased by the Students:

Egger, Vernon O. A History of the Muslim World to 1750: The Making of a Civilization. Routledge: 2018 (Second Edition).

Scholarly Perspectives

This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.