History 082. Spring 2006

PAPER 1.

ASSIGNMENT:

Describe the interaction of religion, politics, and cultural change in the evolution of Muslim societies to 1258 CE.

Instructions:

· Write no more than five double-spaced pages in 12 point font.

· Attach your paper in WORD DOC format to the Paper1 Assignment slot in Blackboard.

· Be as specific and factual as you can be.

· Be sure to organize your prose effectively by putting coherent paragraphs into a logical flow of discussion. Grading will necessarily include consideration of the prose quality of your essay.

Suggestions:

Ø In addressing this assignment, specify in prose important chronological markers, major periods of change, and prominent actors, geographical sites, and regions.

Ø Use appropriate information from the textbook within the framework provided by lectures.

Ø Consider the term "culture" carefully and think about its distinction from
"religion."  

Ø Remember: One central issue here is the influence that the geographical
expansion had on Islamic cultural environments.