Islam and Islamic societies, with a particular emphasis upon the ways in which Islamic societies have transformed during the past two hundred years. Course lectures and assigned readings will provide the basic historical background for the period covered in this class. The student will become familiar with the broad picture of Islamic history, both through general reading as well as a more focused study and discussion of particular thematic questions for each period being studied. Important thematic questions for the course include: What led to the initial success and great achievements of Islamic civilization? To what degree did Islamic civilization decline after the medieval period and how can we explain the reasons for this decline? How has Islamic civilization been transformed in modern times and what prospects does it have for the future?