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ISL373

Islam In North Africa And Spain

  • Arts
  • 300 level
  • 2 credit units
  • 83 pages
  • 12 units

This course explores the rich history and cultural impact of Islam in North Africa and Spain. It begins by examining the early history of North Africa, including the Muslim conquests and Islamization processes. The course then shifts focus to the spread of Islam in Spain, covering the Muslim conquests, the Umayyad dynasty, and the various Muslim dynasties that shaped the region. Finally, the course analyzes the resurgence of Europe, the Reconquista, and the lasting Islamic heritage in Spain.

About this course

Difficulty
Intermediate
Study hours
50 hours
Maths
None
Content
Theoretical, case study
Practical work
No
How it is assessed
  • Assignments
  • Tutor Marked Assignments
  • Final Examination

One paragraph, so you can see how it reads

ISL373 · Unit 1: History of North Africa

These provinces, rich from agriculture, run in a continuous coastal strip along the northern parts of present-day Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Libya before linking with the province of Egypt, where the Nile allows Roman penetration further south into the continent.

What you should be able to do

  1. Understand the historical context of Islam in North Africa and Spain
  2. Analyze the impact of Muslim rule on the Iberian Peninsula
  3. Identify key figures and events in the spread of Islam
  4. Evaluate the cultural and intellectual contributions of Islamic civilization
  5. Compare and contrast different Muslim dynasties
  6. Assess the causes and consequences of the Reconquista

What it prepares you for

Careers
  • Historian
  • Archivist
  • Museum Curator
  • Cultural Heritage Manager
Where it is applied
  • Education
  • Tourism
  • Cultural Heritage
  • Research

Where it gets hard

The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.

  • Module 1: Islam in North Africa

    Unit 2: Muslim Conquests in North Africa

    The complex interplay of Berber tribes, Roman influences, and early Islamic expansion requires careful attention to historical context.

  • Module 2: The Spread of Islam in Spain

    Unit 1: Geography of Spain (Andalus)

    Understanding the political fragmentation of Muslim Spain into Taifa kingdoms requires detailed knowledge of the various dynasties and their alliances.

A suggested way through it

Suggested

13 weeks, about 28 hours in total. Yours will differ.

  1. Week 1Module 1: Islam in North Africa
    • Unit 1: History of North Africa · 2 hours

      Study the geography of North Africa and its ecosystem.. Examine the history of Egypt and North Africa in ancient times.. Assess Egypt's position as the first great civilization center of Africa.. Identify the tribes that resided in Egypt and North Africa.. Understand the powers that ruled before the Arab incursion..

  2. Week 2Module 1: Islam in North Africa
    • Unit 2: Muslim Conquests in North Africa · 2 hours

      Analyze the socio-political situation in Egypt and North Africa prior to Muslim occupation.. List major powers and tribes influencing governance.. Relate the expeditions carried out by the Muslim army.. Examine the spread of Islam in Egypt and North African states.. Identify key Muslim warriors and commanders..

  3. Week 3Module 1: Islam in North Africa
    • Unit 3: Islamization of North Africa · 2 hours

      Investigate the Islamization process in North Africa.. Identify the timeline of Islamization.. Recognize major figures involved in Islamization.. Examine evidence of Islamization.. Understand the role of Almoravids and Almohads..

  4. Week 4Module 1: Islam in North Africa
    • Unit 4: Almoravids, Almohads and Islamization Activities in North Africa · 2 hours

      Trace the origins of Almoravid and Almohad movements.. Re-appraise their activities and impacts.. Understand their influence on North Africa's socio-cultural setting.. Examine how Sunni Islam was established.. Assess the fall of these movements..

  5. Week 5Module 2: The Spread of Islam in Spain
    • Unit 1: Geography of Spain (Andalus) · 2 hours

      Outline the landscape of Spain.. Describe the climate of Spain.. Identify major religions practiced in Spain.. Familiarize with Spain's natural resources.. Identify major languages spoken in Spain..

  6. Week 6Module 2: The Spread of Islam in Spain
    • Unit 2: Spain before Muslim Conquests · 2 hours

      Examine Spain in pre-historic times.. Analyze the role of the Romans.. Understand how Spain was divided into Hispania and Lusitania.. Examine how the Visigoths sacked the Roman Empire..

  7. Week 7Module 2: The Spread of Islam in Spain
    • Unit 3: The Muslim Conquests in Spain · 2 hours

      Identify factors in the Muslim conquest of Spain.. Determine the timeline of the Muslim conquest.. Examine theories about the Arab Muslim occupation.. Relate the spread of Islam to historical events..

  8. Week 8Module 2: The Spread of Islam in Spain
    • Unit 4: The Umayyad Spain · 2 hours

      Identify who ruled Spain before the Umayyads.. Determine when the Umayyads began ruling.. Describe the type of government practiced.. Determine how long the Umayyads ruled..

  9. Week 9Module 3: Muslim Dynasties in Spain
    • Unit 1: Muslim Dynasties in Spain · 2 hours

      Understand the beginning and end of Muslim dynasties in Spain.. Identify who established the Muslim dynasty.. Examine the sequence of dynasties and their impact.. Analyze the activities of Almoravids and Almohads..

  10. Week 10Module 3: Muslim Dynasties in Spain
    • Unit 2: The Resurgence of Europe and the Re-conquest · 2 hours

      Examine the history of Christian Kingdoms and their wars with the Moors.. Analyze the efforts of Almoravids and Almohades.. Understand how the Almohades were expelled.. Examine the conquest of Granada in 1492..

  11. Week 11Module 3: Muslim Dynasties in Spain
    • Unit 3: Islamic Heritage in Spain · 2 hours

      Describe collective learning and factors facilitating its preservation.. Identify factors fostering Islamic learning.. Assess Islamic Spain's role in knowledge.. List major subject areas translated from Arabic.. Identify historical centers of learning..

  12. Week 12Module 3: Muslim Dynasties in Spain
    • Unit 4: The End of Islamic Spain · 2 hours

      Relate the history of the fall of Granada.. Identify forces responsible for the end of Islamic Spain.. Recount the ordeal of Muslims after the collapse.. Examine the socio-economic and political situation after the expulsion..

  13. Week 13Module 3: Muslim Dynasties in Spain
    • Final Revision · 4 hours

      Review key concepts from all modules.. Complete assignments and TMAs.. Prepare for final examinations..

Preparing for the exam

What to do
  • Create timelines of key events in North Africa and Spain.
  • Compare the policies and achievements of different Muslim dynasties.
  • Focus on the causes and consequences of the Reconquista.
  • Study the cultural and intellectual contributions of Islamic civilization.
  • Review the roles of key figures like Tariq bin Ziyad, Abd al-Rahman III, and El Cid.

Questions students ask about this course

What is ISL373 about?

This course explores the rich history and cultural impact of Islam in North Africa and Spain. It begins by examining the early history of North Africa, including the Muslim conquests and Islamization processes. The course then shifts focus to the spread of Islam in Spain, covering the Muslim conquests, the Umayyad dynasty, and the various Muslim dynasties that shaped the region. Finally, the course analyzes the resurgence of Europe, the Reconquista, and the lasting Islamic heritage in Spain.

How many units does ISL373 have?

ISL373, Islam In North Africa And Spain, has 12 units across 3 modules, over 83 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.

How many credit units is ISL373?

ISL373 carries 2 credit units, at 300 level in Arts.

Is ISL373 hard?

ISL373 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.

How long does ISL373 take to study?

About 50 hours of study, spread across its 12 units.

How is ISL373 assessed?

ISL373 is assessed by Assignments, Tutor Marked Assignments and Final Examination.

What can I do with ISL373?

Historian, Archivist, Museum Curator and Cultural Heritage Manager.

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