This week moves from definitions to historical formations. We begin to situate Political Islam within longer trajectories of empire, authority, and modern transformation, focusing on earlier Islamic empires and the emergence of the modern Middle East.
As in the previous week, start with the lecture, then work through Session 3 and Session 4. The materials are meant to be read together as part of an ongoing conversation.
✔️ You will complete a weekly discussion based on the materials
✔️ You are expected to engage with your peers through comments
🎥 If this is your assigned week, upload your presentation and respond to others
💬 If you are not presenting, you should still watch and comment on your peers’ work
📌 This week centers on key historical and political questions:
How was political authority organized in early Islamic history?
What are the roots and implications of the Sunni–Shia divide?
How did colonialism, Orientalism, and nationalism reshape the Middle East?
🏛 Session 3: Caliphate, authority, and Sunni–Shia debates
🌐 Session 4: Modernity, colonialism, and nationalism
✔️ Watch the lecture video
✔️ Complete required readings (check syllabus)
✔️ Complete Session 3 or 4 materials (if related to your discussion response)
✔️ Submit your discussion response
✔️ Comment on your peers
✔️ Complete your presentation (if assigned)