Introduction to the medieval Near East

Teacher(s)

Van Elverdinghe Emmanuel;

Language

French
> English-friendly

Main themes

Introduction to the study of the Christian peoples and communities of the medieval Middle East, focusing on their linguistic, cultural, and geographical diversity. 

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1	demonstrate a global view of the civilization and history of the Christian peoples in the medieval Middle East;
2	identify the main characteristics of the communities in question;
3	use the main reference works relating to the subjects covered by the course.

Content

The course offers an introduction to the history and culture of the peoples of the medieval East, focusing on Christian communities.
The first part of the course describes the geographical, chronological, linguistic and religious frameworks of the medieval Near East.
Next, the main characteristics of the different Eastern Christian communities (Syrians, Arabs, Copts, Ethiopians, Armenians, Georgians, Slavs, etc.) are presented, as are the basic research tools used in this field.
The third part of the course consists of a more detailed examination of a selection of cross-cutting topics, including:

• The history of writing: the invention and evolution of alphabets and writing systems
• The major intellectual centres, meeting grounds between cultures
• Independent Christian polities versus the great empires (Armenia, Georgia, Ethiopia)
• Monks and monasteries in Islamic lands
• Eastern travellers to the East: missionaries, diplomats, traders (India, Central Asia, China)
• Western and Eastern Christians in the Levant during the Crusades
• Etc.

Teaching methods

Lectures, some of which can be supported by required readings.

Evaluation methods

Written examination in the first session, oral examination in the second session.

Online resources

Moodle site of the course.

Faculty or entity

> EHAC