Session Five

An Islamic History of Europe

Introduction: The fifth session looks at the Islamic empire that developed after Muhammad's demise. Our review begins with reading chapters 4-6 in Islam: Faith & History and then viewing the PBS documentary "Islam: Empire of Faith" which details the history of Islam, from the birth of the Islamic Prophet, Muhammad to the Ottoman Empire.

After having completed the readings for this session and reviewed the accompanying video you may choose - on a purely optional basis - to answer the study questions and submit them at etwimber@hotmail.com or to contact Dr. Wimberley by phone or email to request a time for dialogue about what you have learned. You may do so by phone or dialogue via Skype or Facetime. Dr. Wimberley's phone number is 239.405.4164. We may convene group meetings of the class using the Zoom application on our computers. You can enroll in this course by emailing etwimber@hotmail.com or by texting Dr. Wimberley at 239.405.4164.

Reading: How Islam Created Europe

Video: An Islamic History of Europe

Study Questions:

  1. What happened to Christianity in North Africa during the seventh and eighth centuries?
  2. Beyond dividing the Mediterranean what other changes did the Islamic state impose on Europe?
  3. What is meant by Christianity's "inevitable opposition to Islam"?
  4. Describes some of the Islamic contributions to Western hitory and culture.
  5. What were the crusades in Spain against the Muslims about and were they successful?
  6. Who expelled the Muslims from Sicily and when?
  7. Was Describe how Arabic science contributed to the Renaissance.
  8. Who was the last Muslim King of Spain and to whom he surrender and when?