Middle East Guide # 2 Covering Cleveland, Ch. 2: The Development of Islamic Civilization to the Fifteenth Century

PATTERNS OF ISLAMIC HISTORY

What is Clevelands thesis in this first section of the chapter? Write a thesis statement, based on our standard format: Although A, B [is true] because C.Be prepared to defend your response (be prepared to explain, using specific details from the text, that this is Clevelands argument).

Although the Bayid took control of the Abbassid empire at 945, it did not mark the fall of Islam, as there were other Islamic cultures and empires building up and contributing to Islam. (19)

Although the fall of the Abbassid in 1258 resulted in considerable political fragmentation, it did not lead to a dark age of Islamic culture, as there were other Islamic cultures and empires building up and contributing to Islam (such as Delhi, Chazna, Cairo, Cordoba) (20)

THE CREATION AND USES OF WEALTH

1. Outline an essay comparing Baghdad in the ninth century (800s AD) to Tang Changan at its height. Include in your outline a thesis statement, a topic sentence for each proposed paragraph and evidence for each paragraph that supports the claim you make in the topic sentence.

2. Note: The growth in agriculture wasthe most significant agricultural revolution in world history between the adoption of sedentary agriculture and the European discovery of the Americas. (Cleveland, 21)

3. Why, specifically, did the Abbasid elite enjoy a rich and refined style of living? Your response should include specific references to trade and agriculture, as well as points about the size and geographical setting of the empire.

4. On page 23 of the text, Cleveland mentions the high Islamic cultural tradition. What is it, specifically?

5. Note: Cleveland concludes this section by placing emphasis on the extent and diversity of regions influenced by Islam. While he writes that Islam became a global civilization, he also reminds us of the existence of several Islams coexisting in vibrant diversity. (24)

Because of the schedule change, our next test is moved from Friday, April 24 to Tuesday, April 28.

Class Plan for Monday, April 20, 2015:We will break into three groups. Each group will work at a whiteboard for 10-12 minutes on one of the questions in blue. The middle group will probably not have time to finishthe group should at least have crafted a thesis statement during the work period. The groups will then report back to the class as a whole. We will finish class by helping the middle group complete the essay outline.

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