History and Institutions of Islamic Countries

The course is designed to provide students with a grounding in the historical development of Islamic doctrine and institutions, as well as a basic understanding of key events in the modern and contemporary history of North Africa and the Middle East. It aims to equip students with the necessary tools to understand current developments in the region—from recent conflicts in Afghanistan, Palestine and Syria to the rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran, as well as the phenomenon of Islamic revival.

By the end of the course, students will have a solid understanding of key developments in the evolution of Islamic doctrine and of major turning points in the history of the Middle East. They will have the analytical skills to interpret and critically assess current events in the Middle East and will be able to communicate effectively on these topics. The acquired knowledge and critical thinking skills will also enable them to pursue further studies independently.