HIST 104: The Golden Age of Islamic Scholarship delves into the extraordinary period of intellectual and cultural flourishing in the Islamic world, roughly spanning from the 8th to the 14th centuries. This era, often referred to as the Islamic Golden Age, witnessed unparalleled advancements in science, mathematics, medicine, philosophy, and literature under the Abbasid Caliphate and beyond. Through this course, students will explore the factors that led to this renaissance, the key figures who shaped this era, and the enduring impact of their contributions on both the Islamic world and the West.
Overall Objectives for this Course:
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
- Outline the historical context and factors that contributed to the Islamic Golden Age.
- Identify and analyze the contributions of seminal scholars in various fields such as Al-Khwarizmi in mathematics, Al-Razi in medicine, and Al-Farabi in philosophy.
- Evaluate the role of the House of Wisdom in Baghdad as a center of learning and translation.
- Understand the impact of Islamic scholarship on the Renaissance and the scientific revolution in Europe.
- Appreciate the interdisciplinary approach of Islamic scholars to knowledge and their holistic view of the sciences and humanities.
- Discuss the methods of knowledge transmission and the role of libraries and madrasas in education.
- Explore the decline of the Golden Age and the factors leading to it.
- Reflect on the legacy of the Golden Age in contemporary Islamic thought and in the global context.
- Develop critical thinking and analytical skills through the examination of primary and secondary sources.
- Engage with the multicultural and pluralistic nature of the Islamic Golden Age.
Curriculum
- 12 Sections
- 0 Lessons
- 12 Weeks
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- Week 1: Introduction to the Islamic Golden Age – Setting the historical and cultural stage.0
- Week 2: The House of Wisdom in Baghdad – Exploring its foundation, scholars, and contributions to knowledge.0
- Week 3: Advances in Mathematics – The work of Al-Khwarizmi and the introduction of algebra.0
- Week 4: Breakthroughs in Medicine – Contributions of Al-Razi and Ibn Sina (Avicenna) and their lasting impact.0
- Week 5: Philosophy and Theology – The influence of Al-Farabi, Al-Ghazali, and Ibn Rushd (Averroes).0
- Week 6: Innovations in Astronomy and Geography – The contributions of Al-Battani and Al-Idrisi.0
- Week 7: Development in Literature and Poetry – Exploring the richness of Arabic literature and poetry.0
- Week 8: Islamic Art and Architecture – Understanding the aesthetics, symbolism, and techniques that define Islamic art.0
- Week 9: The Translation Movement – The role of translations in fostering intellectual exchange between cultures.0
- Week 10: Education and the Spread of Knowledge – The function of madrasas and libraries.0
- Week 11: The Decline of the Golden Age – Analyzing the political, social, and economic factors.0
- Week 12: Legacy and Influence on the Modern World – The enduring impact of the Golden Age\’s scholarship.0
