What the Islamic Golden Age did for us

About this course

This course traces Islam’s emergence and expansion before examining the intellectual, cultural and commercial achievements of the Islamic Golden Age from the eighth to sixteenth centuries. It considers developments in science and medicine alongside philosophy, education, art, architecture, literature, culture, trade, agriculture, law, exploration and cartography. The course also explores learning centres including Baghdad, Cordoba, Cairo and Sicily, and considers how ideas from Islamic empires influenced Europe, contributed to the Renaissance and shaped the modern world. Teaching combines lectures and presentation slides with class discussions, breakout sessions and other audiovisual material.

What you'll learn

• Identify significant Islamic empires and centres of learning
• Recognise innovations and influential figures from the Islamic Golden Age across several fields
• Describe examples of how Islamic innovations affected Europe
• Explain the period’s contribution to Europe’s later Renaissance advances
• Outline factors associated with the decline of Islamic empires

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for learners at all levels, with an interest in history helpful for engaging with its broad survey. Participation includes lectures, class and group discussions, and breakout sessions. Learners should be able to follow written and spoken English, presentation slides and health and safety information.

• Covers a wide range of topics rather than providing an in-depth study of one subject
• Includes discussion and breakout activities alongside lecture-based teaching
• Requires learners to follow course information in English

Before you go

• Learners may wish to bring their own note-taking materials.