University of Pittsburgh

This course traces the history of the ottoman empire from its origins as an obscure band of frontier warriors, to the highpoint of its geopolitical power in the sixteenth century, and on to its further evolution as an increasingly complex and peaceful society, down to the opening of the period of European imperialism and nation building. It will address not only the ottomans' political power, but also those economic, social, and cultural factors that helped explain that power and gave the empire such a distinctive place in the history of Western Europe, Balkans and the Middle East

The course medieval Iberia stresses the conflicts and encounters between Christians, Muslims, and Jews. Through the analysis of a wide variety of selected and translated primary sources as well as modern historiography, the course presents the main entities and processes evolving in Iberia from 711 to 1492. The major cultural entities approached are: Al-Andalus, Hispania, and Sefarad. The main processes are: the consolidation of states, the unfolding of military Campains, the development of cultural interactions, and the transformations of the economic and social life.

The Algerian War for Independence (1954-1962) was one of the most violent anti-colonial conflicts of the 20th century. Fifty-years on, the events of the conflict continue to shape debates about torture, immigration, colonial history, and national identity. Despite its impact, however, the definitive history of the war remains to be written: as numerous historians like Benjamin Stora and Raphaëlle Branche have suggested, contested memories on either side of the Mediterranean contribute to a situation where for some, the trauma of the war seems not yet to have ended.

This course will examine the various debates circulating in and around the Arab world related to the culture and politics of Arab societies. We will explore questions of representation in the region, whether that is Arab representations of themselves, Arab representations by the other, or minority struggles for representation. We will look at the relationship between individual, society and the state, and think critically about each of these concepts as they reproduce themselves and social relations.

As a “world religion” Islam has had a profound influence on a broad array of nations, ethnic groups and local expressions of culture. It has played a role in shaping societies, politics, economics and law. Taking a broad, anthropological perspective on the study of religion, this course examines the many different ways in which culture and society have been influenced by Islam in different parts of the world.