The course traces patterns of identity construction and compares social, political and cultural practices across regions and through Asia’s diverse states and empires. Taking a broad survey of historical processes led by Asian Muslims, the course asks: why did some regions of Asia convert to Islam in large measure and others not? Why has the nineteenth century been called “Islam’s Indian century?” “What is the difference…” between creating a Muslim homeland like Pakistan and an Islamic state like Iran? Semester Hours: 3 to 3
