2019-20

The course deals with the life of Muhammad and his career as a religious, political and military leader (570-632). It examines the creation and the evolution of the first Islamic community, firstly in Mecca and later in Medina. Different aspects of pre-Islamic Arab society (religion, culture, economy, social stratification, racial organisation and others.) are analysed, as well as how they affected Islam and, in their turn, how they were affected by the new religion

The course deals with the primary sources for the period and the basic chronology of the Hellenistic period (323 - 31 BC). It then examines the main political and cultural trends, including the sciences, philosophy and art.

The course deals with the political and socio-economic development of the Balkan nation-states from their foundation up to the mid 20th century. It lays particular emphasis on the military clashes, namely the Balkan Wars and the First and Second World Wars, that shaped the status quo,on the predominance and hold on power of the various Communist regimes and on matters of national identity and minorities.

The course is an in-depth, thematic examination of significant aspects for the history and the evolution of the medieval world, particularly during the High and Late Middle Ages (c.1000-1500). The aim is to help students understand some fundamental characteristics of the period, and to highlight dynamic transformations and developments which marked the history of Europe – thus challenging the common perception of the allegedly static Middle Ages.  
The course is structured around three main themes: