HIST438 HISTORY AND CULTURE OF THE SELJUQS OF RUM
| Course Code: | 2400438 |
| METU Credit (Theoretical-Laboratory hours/week): | 3 (3.00 - 0.00) |
| ECTS Credit: | 6.0 |
| Department: | History |
| Language of Instruction: | English |
| Level of Study: | Undergraduate |
| Course Coordinator: | |
| Offered Semester: | Spring Semesters. |
Course Objectives
The course is designed to introduce the historical background to the establishment of the Seljuq Sultanate of Rum, the factors that led to its growth, its relations with its Muslim and non-Muslim neighbors, and the events that led to its eventual downfall. In addition, it examines the process of Islamization in Anatolia, and provides an introduction to the cultural achievements of the Sultanate of Rum.
Course Content
This course covers the history of the Seljuqs of Rum from their appearance in the 10 th century to the end of the Seljuqs state in Anatolia in the early years of the 14 th century. Among the topics that will be examined are the Central Asian origins of the Seljuqs; their conversion to Sunni Islam and its historical significance; the rise of the Great Seljuqs and their westward expansion through the time of Alp Arslan; the emergence of the Seljuqs of Rum; Seljuq relations with Byzantium, the Crusaders, the Danişmendler, and the Italian maritime republics; culture and religion in Anatolia under the Seljuqs; the decline of Seljuq power under the Mongols; the cultural and religious transformation of Anatolia; and the legacy of the Seljuqs of Rum.
Course Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course the students should understand the historical background to the establishment of the Seljuq Sultanate of Rum and the broad outlines of its subsequent history. They should also have a general understanding of the complex nature of the Seljuqs' relations with neighboring states, the reasons for their decline and their major cultural achievements. In addition, the students should be familiar with the major primary sources for the history of the Sultanate of Rum, and the problems with these primary sources.
Program Outcomes Matrix
| Level of Contribution | |||||
| # | Program Outcomes | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| 1 | are familiar with general world historical periods and trends; demonstrate knowledge of key facts, ideas, societies, organizations, cultures, structures and processes related to a variety of historical contexts. | ✔ | |||
| 2 | are familiar with existing scholarly literature, historiography and historical methodology; and have developed the ability to approach them critically. | ✔ | |||
| 3 | are acquainted with interdisciplinary approaches. | ✔ | |||
| 4 | are able to generate research questions and conduct independent historical research by locating and analyzing primary and/or secondary sources; can construct viable arguments based on source interpretation. | ✔ | |||
| 5 | have developed sufficient English language skills; additionally, they have acquired the skill to read both printed texts and manuscripts in Ottoman Turkish. | ✔ | |||
| 6 | are able to present research results both in oral and written form. | ✔ | |||
| 7 | are able to work individually or as part of a team. | ✔ | |||
| 8 | are equipped with academic ethics. | ✔ | |||
| 9 | are aware of modern day issues and current events; have the skills and knowledge to generate informed opinions. | ✔ | |||
0: No Contribution 1: Little Contribution 2: Partial Contribution 3: Full Contribution