Module #1 Introduction to the Umayyad Caliphate Overview of the Umayyad Caliphate, its significance, and importance in Islamic history
Module #2 The Founding of the Umayyad Caliphate The rise of the Umayyad dynasty, the role of Muawiya ibn Abi Sufyan, and the transition from the Rashidun Caliphate
Module #3 Umayyad Rule and Governance The structure of the Umayyad state, administrative systems, and the relationship between the caliph and governors
Module #4 Religion and Politics in the Umayyad Era The intersection of religion and politics, the role of the caliph as a religious leader, and the development of Islamic theology
Module #5 The Evolution of Islamic Law (Sharia) The development of Islamic law under the Umayyads, the role of fuqaha, and the emergence of legal schools
Module #6 The Role of the Ulama in Umayyad Society The emergence of the ulama as a distinct social group, their role in shaping Islamic thought, and their relationship with the Umayyad state
Module #7 Christianity and Judaism in the Umayyad Era The status of Christians and Jews in the Umayyad Caliphate, their rights and obligations, and interfaith relations
Module #8 Sufism and Mysticism in the Umayyad Period The emergence of Sufism, its key figures, and its impact on Islamic spirituality
Module #9 Architecture and Urban Planning in the Umayyad Era The development of Islamic architecture, the construction of mosques, and urban planning in Umayyad cities
Module #10 Economic and Social Life in the Umayyad Caliphate Agriculture, trade, and commerce in the Umayyad era, social classes, and the role of women
Module #11 The Umayyad Court and Cultural Patronage The Umayyad court as a center of cultural patronage, the role of the caliph as a patron of the arts, and the development of Arabic literature
Module #12 The Umayyad Caliphate and the Byzantine Empire The relationship between the Umayyad Caliphate and the Byzantine Empire, wars, and diplomatic relations
Module #13 The Umayyad Conquest of Spain and the Iberian Peninsula The Islamic conquest of Spain, the role of Tariq ibn Ziyad, and the establishment of the Caliphate of Córdoba
Module #14 The Umayyad Caliphate and the Eastern Provinces The relationship between the Umayyad Caliphate and the eastern provinces, including Persia, Khurasan, and Transoxiana
Module #15 The Challenges to Umayyad Rule The internal and external challenges to Umayyad rule, including tribal rivalries, Kharijite rebellions, and Abbasid propaganda
Module #16 The Decline and Fall of the Umayyad Caliphate The factors leading to the decline and fall of the Umayyad Caliphate, including internal strife, external pressures, and the Abbasid revolution
Module #17 The Legacy of the Umayyad Caliphate The impact of the Umayyad Caliphate on Islamic history, culture, and society, including its contributions to architecture, literature, and law
Module #18 Comparative Analysis:Umayyad and Abbasid Caliphates A comparative analysis of the Umayyad and Abbasid Caliphates, including their similarities and differences
Module #19 Primary Sources:Umayyad Literature and Historiography An exploration of primary sources from the Umayyad era, including literary works, historical accounts, and coins
Module #20 Archaeological Evidence:Umayyad Architecture and Material Culture An examination of archaeological evidence from the Umayyad era, including architecture, artifacts, and inscriptions
Module #21 Debating the Umayyad Legacy:Historiographical Perspectives A critical analysis of different historiographical perspectives on the Umayyad Caliphate, including their strengths and limitations
Module #22 Religion and Society in the Umayyad Era:A Comparative Perspective A comparative analysis of religion and society in the Umayyad era, including comparisons with other empires and civilizations
Module #23 The Umayyad Caliphate and Modern Islamic Thought The impact of the Umayyad Caliphate on modern Islamic thought, including its influence on contemporary debates and discussions
Module #24 Umayyad Women:Agency, Authority, and Piety The role of women in Umayyad society, including their agency, authority, and piety
Module #25 Slavery and Freedom in the Umayyad Era The institution of slavery in the Umayyad era, including the treatment of slaves, manumission, and the concept of freedom
Module #26 The Umayyad Concept of Jihad The Umayyad understanding of jihad, including its military, spiritual, and ideological dimensions
Module #27 Umayyad Coinage and Numismatics The significance of Umayyad coinage, including its design, inscription, and circulation
Module #28 Umayyad Epigraphy and Inscriptions The importance of Umayyad epigraphy, including the study of inscriptions on coins, monuments, and artifacts
Module #29 The Umayyad Caliphate in Popular Culture The representation of the Umayyad Caliphate in popular culture, including literature, art, and film
Module #30 Course Wrap-Up & Conclusion Planning next steps in Religion and Society in the Umayyad Caliphate career
