The Global Seminar in Turkey
In 2010 marks the third time the Princeton Institute for International and Regional Studies will offer a Global Seminar in Turkey. “Islam, Empire, and Modernity: Turkey from the Caliphs to the 21st Century” will be taught in Cairo, Egypt, at American University in Cairo, and in Istanbul, Turkey, at the Research Center for Anatolian Civilizations, Koç University, from June 12 to July 24, 2010. Led by Professor of Near Eastern Studies M. Șükrü Hanioğlu and Senior Lecturer in Near Eastern Studies Erika Gilson, the seminar will introduce students to the rich history, culture, language, and literature of Turkey.
As the capital of the Eastern Roman and Ottoman empires, Istanbul was the seat of military might, ceremonial pomp, and official state policy for sixteen centuries. Like Turkey, the city is a bridge between two cultures, two continents, and two major religions. Recently Istanbul and Turkey have been undergoing a fresh cultural renaissance, powered in large part by the impetus to join Europe. Through the Global Seminar in Turkey, students expand their knowledge of a major culture's past and present. In addition to the classroom sessions that include discussions on different aspects of Turkish culture, students are encouraged to explore Istanbul—ultimately, Istanbul itself becomes the classroom.
The seminar begins with ancient civilizations and ends with Turkey in the twenty-first century. It provides an analysis of change and continuity in Turkish society with a strong focus on history and on major cultural transformations. Students read at least one book on a major subject to be discussed in the course.
The seminar will meet in Cairo for one week and then move to Istanbul. Classes meet four times a week and feature daily lectures by the Princeton faculty and guests, daily instruction in elementary Turkish, weekly community service, and weekend excursions.
Internships in Turkey following the seminar are also available. For information, please visit the Web site of the International Internship Program.
Click here for the course syllabus.
This course fulfills the Historical Analysis (HA) general requirement. Check back to view the syllabus.
