This is an introductory level course on the history of Muslim communities and institutions in South Asia. Its aim is to introduce students to the broad historical currents of the expansion of Islam in the Indian subcontinent, the nature of Muslim political authority, the interaction between religious communities, Islamic aesthetics and contributions to material culture, the varied engagements and reactions of Muslims to colonial rule, the partition of British India and the creation of Pakistan, and the contemporary concerns of South Asia's Muslims. The main emphasis of the course is on the social, political, and cultural history of Islam in South Asia. This course does not assume any prior knowledge of South Asian or Islamic history.

Course Requirements:

One essay (4-page), Four response papers (1-page), two exams

Intended Audience:

Students in any year; majors or non-majors

Class Format:

Lecture and discussion