Islamic Civilization

HIST 210
Islamic Civilization
Winter 2014
Travelogue

Overview
The following is the explanation for the second travelogue that you will be writing in this class. This travelogue will based on Amin Maalouf’s Samarkand. Your travelogues are to be posted on CANVAS by 11 pm Monday March 17. The following is a brief explanation of what the travelogue should include. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Requirements
For your travelogues to be accepted, all of the following guidelines must be strictly followed:
1. Your travelogues are to be posted on CANVAS by 11 pm Monday March 17.
2. Travelogues must be typed (size 12 fonts) and double-spaced.
3. Travelogues must be 6 pages in length, excluding photographs and maps.
4. In your travelogues you must include 2 photographs and 2 maps. These must be clearly relevant to the narrative. In your narrative, refer to these photos and maps to make their relevance clear.
5. In your travelogues you must include a minimum of four relevant references to Denny’s text, An Introduction to Islam. Cite appropriately.
6. All work must be cited APA style. 10 percent of your grade will depend on proper citation, grammar and spelling.
Recommended Readings:
As you can imagine, there is a wealth of sources about how to write travelogues. I suggest that you explore some of these before you begin your journey to the heart of Islamic civilization. Here are two that you may find useful. Both appear on CANVAS in the Travelogue area:
• Travel Writing.
• Travel Guide.
What to Include
When writing about our travels it is important to think seriously about how to interpret our observations. The following provides a set of criteria that you are to use in reflecting on your observations.
1. Critical Assessment: You are traveling to the heart of Islamic civilization, both across time and across space. You are not only making observations of your own; you are also reflecting on observations by others, the main characters who are accompanying you on your journeys. Keep the following themes in mind as you complete your voyage:
• Do you agree with the interpretations of events and scenes offered by the characters on your journey?
• You have read Denny’s An Introduction to Islam before your journey starts. Does this text provide you with useful preparation for the things you are about to witness? Does anything that you experience contradict what you have read in this text? Make sure to integrate this text into your travelogue in a clear and coherent fashion. I expect to see a minimum of 4 clear references.
• Finally, how will you deal with your own cultural biases as you try observing and learning about the people and places you are visiting? Keep in mind that in Orientalism, Edward Said was critical of Western representations of the Islamic world, through travelogues, novels, paintings and scholarship, which portrayed the people and places you will be visiting as irrational, stagnant, exotic and effeminate.
1. Political and Historical Context: Explain the political landscape of the places you are visiting. Who are the rulers, and what kind relationship do they have with the people that they rule? What are relations between these rulers and their neighbors (international relations)?
2. List of Cities: Make a list of every important city that you have visited. Draw a map, and explain the order that you have visited each city. When possible, explain the terrain (mountains, plateaus, forests, deserts, rivers, etc.) Furthermore, explain the current status of these cities. Which countries are these cities in today, in the 21st century?
3. Cultural and Religious Diversity: As you travel, make a list of the different languages, religions, ethnicities and social classes that you experience. Comment on the diversity of the region.
4. Status of Women: Do your travels offer any insight into the status of women in these areas? If so, describe the status of women. Are women “oppressed?”
5. Visual Arts and Literature: List the prominent works of art, architecture and literature that you encounter on your voyage. Describe. You may want to undertake a search online for further detail.
6. Islam: Based on your reading of Denny and conversations in class, describe the rituals and practices associated with Islam that you witness on your journey. Also pay attention to everyday rituals and practices.
7. Include maps, photos, etc. as appropriate! It is expected that in your travelogue you will include 2 maps, and 2 photos.
Learning Assistance Options
To support student success, Cascadia offers a variety of support services. The Open Learning Center, CC2-060, provides a computer lab where students can receive assistance with technology to support class assignments. Students are encouraged to utilize the Math and Writing Center, located in CC2-080. Tutors will work with students focusing on math concepts and writing assignments. The Math and Writing Center is open Monday through Friday; hours and contact information can be found at: http://www.cascadia.edu/academic_resources/math_writing.aspx