ISL383 Islamic History: Caliphate Era (8)

This subject covers the history of Muslim societies and civilisations from the time of the death of Prophet Muhammad to the end of the Caliphate era. The periods of Rightly Guided Caliphs, the Umayyad Empire, the Abbasid Empire and the Ottoman Empire will be studied, with a focus on the significant historic events which took place during the Caliphate era. The intellectual, economic, social and cultural aspects of the Islamic civilisations will be explored, particularly the contribution to science during the golden era. The decline of the Muslim world will also be critically evaluated.

No offerings have been identified for this subject in 2021.

Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

Centre for Islamic Studies and Civilisation

Subject Relationships

isl483 Paired Subject

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to understand critically the major events of the Rightly Guided era and the first schism;
  • be able to evaluate critically how Crusades and the Mongol invasion of the Muslim world produced a new world order;
  • be able to discuss critically the internal and external factors responsible for the decline of the Muslim world;
  • be able to demonstrate in-depth understanding of the intellectual, cultural, social and economic scale of the Islamic civilisation;
  • be able to evaluate critically the Muslim contribution to science and human civilisation; and
  • be able to analyse critically the effects of the end of the Caliphate.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • Rightly Guided Caliphs (632-661)
  • Great Arab-Muslim conquests and the Umayyads
  • The Abbasid Empire and the worldwide diffusion of Islam
  • The Muslim contribution to science and civilisation
  • The Crusades and their impact on Europe and the Muslim world
  • Mongol invasion and Seljuks
  • Birth of the Turkish sultanates: Ottomans, Safavids and Mughals
  • The rise of the Ottoman Empire
  • Struggle for Europe: Ottoman Empire and Europe
  • Decline of the Ottoman Empire and the Muslim world

Indicative Assessment

The following table summarises the assessment tasks for the online offering of ISL383 in Session 2 2020. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated and can also differ to suit the mode of study (online or on campus).

Item Number
Title
Value %
1
Engagement and participation
10
2
Presentation and response to a set reading
20
3
Essay
40
4
Final exam
30

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: May 2021. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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