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HIST 4376
THE OTTOMAN EMPIRE (1299-1566)
FALL 2010
TR, 1:00 p.m.-2:15 p.m.
Teaching Assistant
Jeremy Prince
jeremy.m.prince@student.utdallas.edu
Office Hours: Tuesdays, 12-1:00
Course Description
This course studies the history of the Ottoman Empire from its rise in the late thirteenth
century to the mid-sixteenth century. As the Seljuk authority disintegrated in the
aftermath of Mongol attacks, Asia Minor witnessed the emergence of principalities in the
thirteenth century. The Ottoman principality, which was initially a minor one among its
more powerful peers (i.e. the Karamanids), became a world power by the mid-fifteenth
century. Discussing the political and social conditions in thirteenth-century Asia Minor,
the course analyses the transformation of the Ottoman principality into a leading
Mediterranean sea-power. The recurrent dynamics of Ottoman history such as
centralization and decentralization are treated. The 'decline' paradigm is discussed.
Institutions that contributed to the longevity of the empire are treated. The empire's role
in the larger context of world history is emphasized.
September 9: Documentary
October 5: Review
October 7: Exam
December 2: Review
Grading Policy
Mapquiz 50
Reading Responses (6*25) 150
Paper 150
Attendance and Participation 150
Midterm 200
Final Exam 300
In order to get a grade in this class, you have to complete all assignments!
Reading responses: You will prepare a reading response for selected weeks (in total 5
journals). The response is due 10:00 a.m., on the day of the class (i.e. if the reading is
assigned for August 28th, then you should turn in your response on August 28th, latest by
10:00 a.m.)
You have to submit it on TURNITIN.COM! After submitting it on Turnitin,
if you want, you can also bring a paper copy to the class. I do not accept any
late responses.
Paper: You are expected to read a book on Ottoman History. The book can be a
primary or secondary source. I will distribute a description of this assignment and
a list of suggested titles for this assignment. You should inform me about your
selections latest by Sept.14th. The papers are due November 16th! I do not
accept late papers.
Exams: I will provide you with detailed instructions before the exam.
Please check Elearning for handouts and for announcements about the class.
Please make sure that you consult the following link for school policies regarding issues
such as student conduct and academic integrity, http://go.utdallas.edu/syllabus-policies
Students are expected to know these policies.
These descriptions and timelines are subject to change at the discretion of the
Professor.