HIST219 BALKAN HISTORY I
| Course Code: | 2400219 |
| 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: | Prof.Dr. ÖMER TURAN |
| Offered Semester: | Fall Semesters. |
Course Objectives
The Balkan History undergraduate course aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the historical evolution of the Balkan Peninsula, from 14th century to 17th century. Through the study of key events such as the Roman and Byzantine influence, Turkic and Slavic migrations, Ottoman conquests, and the process of Islamization, the course emphasizes the region’s complex ethnic, religious, and cultural landscape. Students will explore the significance of Ottoman rule from 14th to 17th centuries in the Balkans. This course blends map quizzes, primary and secondary readings, and two midterm exams to guide students through the complexities of Balkan history.
Course Content
In history, the Balkans was the cross road of various races, religions and cultures. Turks, Bulgarians, Albanians, Serbs, Croats, Greeks, Romanians and Slovens have been the main Balkan nationalities. Greece, Rome, Byzantium and the Ottomans governed the peninsula in different periods. The different conditions and characteristics of these empires and the experiences of the nationalities constituted them will be evaluated. From the late 18th century until the mid-nineteenth century, the nationalist movements and ethnic conflicts, their external dimensions and internal dynamics will also be explored.
Course Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
Trace the historical developments of the Balkans, from fourteenth to the seventeenth century, with a particular focus on the region's diverse cultural and political landscape.
Analyze the influence of Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires on the formation of early and medieval Balkan states.
Examine the significance of Turkic and Slavic migrations and their impact on the region’s demographic and political structure.
Discuss the process of the Turkish conquest and settlement of the Balkans, drawing on primary sources and scholarly works
Evaluate the role of Islamization in shaping the western Balkans, particularly in Bosnia
Assess the development of Macedonian identity and the historical importance of Macedonia in Balkan history.
Demonstrate map skills by identifying key geographical regions and cities in the Balkans, reinforcing the spatial understanding of historical events.
Critically assess how historical legacies, such as Ottoman rule and ethnic migrations, have influenced contemporary issues in the Balkans.
Synthesize key themes from the course through reviews, midterm exams, and discussions, building a coherent understanding of the Balkans' historical trajectory.
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