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ISL272Arts3 Unitsintermediate

The Abbasid Caliphate I

This course introduces students to the history of the 'Abbāsid Caliphate, a significant period in Islamic history. It explores the emergence, consolidation, and eventual decline of the empire. The course examines the roles of key figures, administrative policies, and the impact of the 'Abbāsid Caliphate on the development of Islam. It also covers the rise of petty dynasties and the factors contributing to the empire's collapse.

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15h
Study Time
13
Weeks
1h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
'Abbāsid CaliphateIslamic HistoryCaliphsDynastiesBaghdad

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📚
Math Level
No Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Emergence of the 'Abbāsid Caliphate

2

Rebellion against the Umayyads

3

Key 'Abbāsid Caliphs and their policies

4

Administration and achievements of the 'Abbāsid Empire

5

Decline and fall of the 'Abbāsid Caliphate

6

Rise of petty dynasties

7

The Seljuk Turks and the Assassins

8

Hulagu invasion of Baghdad

Total Topics8 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Computer Based Test

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Historian

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Archivist

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Museum Curator

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Political Analyst

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Researcher

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Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

EducationResearchGovernmentCultural HeritageDiplomacy

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: 'Abbāsid Caliphate: The Early Period (1)

2h

Unit 1: Background to the Emergence of the 'Abbasid Caliphate

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 1: Background to the Emergence of the 'Abbasid Caliphate
  • •Understand the origins of the 'Abbasid family and their claim to the Caliphate
  • •Analyze the factors that contributed to the 'Abbasid propaganda efforts
Week
2

Module 1: 'Abbāsid Caliphate: The Early Period (1)

2h

Unit 2: The Rebellion and the Areas Covered By the Emerging 'Abbāsid Empire

2 study hours
  • •Study Unit 2: The Rebellion and the Areas Covered By the Emerging 'Abbāsid Empire
  • •Examine the key events and strategies of the 'Abbasid rebellion against the Umayyads
  • •Identify the geographical boundaries of the expanding 'Abbasid Empire
Week
3

Module 1: 'Abbāsid Caliphate: The Early Period (1)

2h

Unit 3: The Rise of Abūl-'Abbās as-Saffah to Power and the Roles of the Barmecides

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 3: The Rise of Abūl-'Abbās as-Saffah to Power and the Roles of the Barmecides
  • •Understand the rise of the first 'Abbasid Caliph and his policies
  • •Analyze the influence and contributions of the Barmecide family
Week
4

Module 1: 'Abbāsid Caliphate: The Early Period (1)

2h

Unit 4: Abū-Ja'far Al-Mansūr: Ascension, Achievements and Weaknesses

2 study hours
  • •Study Unit 4: Abū-Ja'far Al-Mansūr: Ascension, Achievements and Weaknesses
  • •Examine the reign of the second 'Abbasid Caliph and his major accomplishments
  • •Assess the strengths and weaknesses of al-Mansur's leadership
Week
5

Module 1: 'Abbāsid Caliphate: The Early Period (1)

2h

Unit 5: Al-Mahdi and Al-Hadi in the History of the Abbasid Caliphate

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 5: Al-Mahdi and Al-Hādī in the History of the Abbasid Caliphate
  • •Understand the reigns and policies of Caliphs al-Mahdi and al-Hadi
  • •Analyze their contributions to the 'Abbasid Caliphate
Week
6

Module 2: 'Abbāsid Caliphate: The Early Period (2)

2h

Unit 1: Hārūn Al-Rashīd

2 study hours
  • •Study Unit 1: Hārūn Al-Rashīd
  • •Explore the reign of Harun al-Rashid and his impact on the 'Abbasid Caliphate
  • •Analyze his policies and achievements
Week
7

Module 2: 'Abbāsid Caliphate: The Early Period (2)

2h

Unit 2: Al-Amīn and al-Ma'mūn the Great

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 2: Al-Amīn and al-Ma'mūn the Great
  • •Understand the conflict between al-Amin and al-Ma'mun
  • •Analyze the significance of al-Ma'mun's reign
Week
8

Module 2: 'Abbāsid Caliphate: The Early Period (2)

2h

Unit 3: Caliph al-Ma'mūn in Baghdad

2 study hours
  • •Study Unit 3: Caliph al-Ma'mūn in Baghdad
  • •Explore al-Ma'mun's policies and achievements after moving to Baghdad
  • •Analyze the cultural and intellectual developments during his reign
Week
9

Module 2: 'Abbāsid Caliphate: The Early Period (2)

2h

Unit 4: al-Mu'tasim, and al-Wathīq in the History of the Caliphate

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 4: al-Mu'tasim, and al-Wathīq in the History of the Caliphate
  • •Understand the reigns of al-Mu'tasim and al-Wathiq
  • •Analyze their policies and impact on the 'Abbasid Caliphate
Week
10

Module 3 The Decline and Fall Of 'Abbāsid Caliphate

2h

Unit 1: Caliphs at Samarra: Al-Mutawakkil and His Successors

2 study hours
  • •Study Unit 1: Caliphs at Samarra: Al-Mutawakkil and His Successors
  • •Examine the reigns of the Caliphs at Samarra and their impact on the Caliphate
  • •Analyze the factors that contributed to the decline of the 'Abbasid Caliphate
Week
11

Module 3 The Decline and Fall Of 'Abbāsid Caliphate

2h

Unit 2: Petty Dynasties in the West

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 2: Petty Dynasties in the West
  • •Understand the rise of petty dynasties in the western part of the 'Abbasid Empire
  • •Analyze their impact on the central authority
Week
12

Module 3 The Decline and Fall Of 'Abbāsid Caliphate

2h

Unit 3: Petty Dynasties in the East

2 study hours
  • •Study Unit 3: Petty Dynasties in the East
  • •Explore the rise of petty dynasties in the eastern part of the 'Abbasid Empire
  • •Analyze their impact on the central authority
Week
13

Module 3 The Decline and Fall Of 'Abbāsid Caliphate

2h

Unit 4: The Seljuk Turks and The Assassins

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 4: The Seljuk Turks and The Assassins
  • •Understand the roles of the Seljuk Turks and the Assassins in the decline of the 'Abbasid Caliphate
  • •Analyze their impact on the political landscape

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create a timeline of key events and rulers in the 'Abbāsid Caliphate.

2

Focus on the administrative policies and achievements of major Caliphs like al-Mansur, Harun al-Rashid, and al-Ma'mun.

3

Understand the causes and consequences of the rise of petty dynasties in different regions.

4

Analyze the factors that contributed to the decline and eventual collapse of the empire, including internal conflicts and external invasions.

5

Review the roles of the Seljuk Turks and the Assassins in the political landscape of the 'Abbāsid Caliphate.

6

Practice essay questions on the major themes and turning points in the course.

7

Create concept maps linking key figures, events, and concepts within each module.

8

Pay close attention to the geographical locations and their significance in the 'Abbāsid history.

9

Compare and contrast the reigns of different Caliphs and their impact on the empire.

10

Review all Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) and Self-Assessment Exercises (SAEs) to identify areas needing further study.

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