history

HIST 113: Islamic Civilization Prof. James M. Gustafson Fall 2013 Mid Term Study Guide The midterm for HIST 113: Islamic Civilization on Friday October 4, 2013 will consist of two parts: (I) A take-home five-paragraph essay submitted on Blackboard prior to the exam date (II) Eight short identification answers written in class Part I: Take-Home Essay (7 pts) Write a five paragraph essay in response to your choice of either of the following prompts. Be sure your essay contains a strong thesis statement backed up by direct evidence from primary source materials we have discussed in this class. Post this essay to Blackboard prior to the exam date of Friday October 4. Remember, you only have to write on ONE of these topics, do not write on both! 1. What is Islam, and how did it develop historically in the medieval world? Assess the various influences that shaped the Islamic faith from the time of the first community of believers in Mecca and Medina, through the long dialogue with the societies of the Near East over the following centuries. In particular, how did the dialogue with Christians and Jews, and the popular practice of religion by communities in the Near East, contribute to defining Islam as a religious tradition? Cite specific examples of these diverse influences on the development of Islam in primary sources we have analyzed in this class. 2. Following the death of the prophet Muhammad, the Islamic community (Ôumma) faced a major challenge in determining who should succeed him, what their qualifications should be, and what responsibilities they would hold. What were the outcomes of these debates over spiritual and political authority after the prophetÕs death, and how did the nature of spiritual and political authority change over time? What major controversies over these questions of authority appear at this point in Islamic history and what are their legacies today? Cite specific examples to support your argument from the primary sources we have analyzed in class. Part II: Short Identifications (8 pts.) Below are fifteen key terms and figures from the first half of this course. Ten of these terms will appear on the mid-term and you will select eight of those to write about. Your answers should include two parts: (a) A concise definition of the term/figure, including time and place when applicable. (b) A long paragraph tying this particular term/figure into the broader themes of this course. A significant part of this assignment, then, is elaborating for me what you thought were the most important themes and developments in Islamic history through the Mongol period. Quraysh People of the Book Hagarism Hadith reports Cairo Geniza Battle of Karbala Dome of the Rock ÔAbbasid Revolution Shahnameh (Book of Kings) Oghuzz Migration The Mihna Local Notables (aÕyan) Ulema Muhammad al-Khwarizmi Mongol Conquests �