90062 - History of Islamic Science (1) (LM)

Learning outcomes

Through the perusal of the primary sources (in translation) and the acquisition of theoretical and interpretative tools offered by the contemporary scientific debate, the student will derive the intellectual skills to: have a general and inclusive overview of Islamic science in its chronological, geographical and cultural dimension; to read and analyse the works that marked the way points in the development of Islamic science; to contextualize this segment of the history of premodern science in a larger historical context that includes other traditions, area and cultures.

Course contents

This course offers a theoretical introduction to Islamic science, as well as its development and transmission. General questions - such as literary genres of the sources, fluid transmission and multilingual traditions - will be the starting point to explora particular disciplines such as medicine, astrology, divination, zoography, alchemyand physiognomy.

Arabo-Islamic science will be the banner under which a much broader approach which begins with Antiquity and Late antiquity casting its influence on the Middle Age and Early Modern will be carried out.

Readings/Bibliography

The seminar syllabus and the related materials will be available in the online platform 'Insegnamenti online IOL'

Teaching methods

The course will offer frontal lessons that will provide the students with the theoretical tools to engage in the reading and comment of primary sources. Students will be encouraged to follow their specific interests developed during the course, and to present the results of their individual or group research in class. In general, they will be invited to take active part to the discussion in class.

The course will begin on October 9

Assessment methods

Oral examination in which the student will be asked to display his or her knowledge of the contents dealt with during the seminar, as well as the ability to commento on the primary sources and link the different topics dealt with in class.

For those who cannot to attend to the course, there will be additional reading to be discussed with the teacher, also considering the specific interests of the student.

Office hours

See the website of Lucia Raggetti