CEUS U520 0655 Clark

Empires of the Steppe: Inner Asia after the Mongol Conquest

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The Middle Ages opened all across the Eurasian landmass with the rise of the First Turk Empire (552-612) in the steppes which stretched from China to Europe. Turk power was founded on an imperial tradition that governed state formation in Central Eurasia throughout the Middle Ages, reaching a peak with the Mongol Empire in the 13th century. This power stabilized transcontinental trade and interconnected East and South Asia, the Near East and Europe. Turkic peoples became the dominant populations throughout the steppe and in many parts of surrounding regions, and the courts of Turkic and Mongol rulers fostered literatures and religions (Manicheism, Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Islam). These empires helped to shape the modern nations of Russia, China and others in Europe and the Near East.

Goals: This course introduces students to the sweep of this still mysterious history of the steppe. It will familiarize students with the basic narrative history of empires from around 500 to 1200 A.D. At the same time, it will critique the notion that European history and its periodization (Antiquity, Middle Ages, Modern Era) existed in a vacuum, and encourage students to think of history as integrated. Whether the student's interest lies in Europe, the Near East, South Asia, East Asia or Central Eurasia, s/he will find new parallels and influences that will open up alternate understandings and pathways for research of the Middle Ages.

Requirements: Students in this course will be expected to read original and historical texts contained in the course packet, complete four exercises on geography and culture, write two reports on the use of sources, and take mid-term and final examinations.

Texts: Course packet: Empires of the Steppe: Readings in Central Eurasian History in the Middle Ages.

Days and Time: Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 1:25:-2:15.