Time Schedule:
Ilse D Cirtautas
SIS 377
Seattle Campus
History of the Turkic peoples, AD 552 to present. Emphasis on current status of Turkic peoples in Central Asia. Geographical distribution, demographic data, reactions and adaptations to changes resulting from the 1917 revolution. Turkic viewpoint on past and present developments. Offered: jointly with NEAR E 375.
Class description
This course covers the common history of all Turkic peoples, starting with the year 552 C.E., when the 1.Turk Empire was founded with its center in northwest Mongolia. At that time the Turkic peoples were nomads, as most of them continued to be until the 1930s in Central Asia.
Student learning goals
They will have an understanding of the early history of the Turkic peoples, when they were nomads and their later adoption of sedentary life.
They will also learn how the Turkic peoples of Central Asia survived first Russian colonialism from the middle of the 19 th century to 1917 and then Soviet colonialism from 1917-1991.
Throughout the course the Turkic viewpoint of past and present developments will be stressed. Translations from Turkic sources will be provided in a special class package.
General method of instruction
Lectures followed by discussions (questions and answer sessions)
Recommended preparation
Recommended: to get acquainted with the course outline and start with the assigned readings as soon as possible. Course Outline will be provided weeks before the beginning of classes (at the latest end of August)
Class assignments and grading
Midterm and final examinations consisting of questions to be answered in essay format (take home exams).
Regular attendance required; weekly assignment of readings; class package of translations from Turkic sources will be available; all other readings (books, etc.) will be on reserve in Odegaard Library.
