faculty
Brian Williams
Professor
History
Contact
508-999-8302
508-999-8809
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Liberal Arts 334
Teaching
Programs
Programs
Teaching
Courses
Introduces students to historical method and perspective through comparative study of human societies and cultures. The concept of "civilization" is examined in varied contexts through comparisons of social, economic, and political institutions, as well as systems of thought and religion, from pre-history to around 1400.
This course will deal with a variety of topics from Russian, European, and American history. One specific topic, e.g. the Russian Revolution, will be taught in any semester.
Survey of the cultures and ethnic groups of Islamic Central Asia (Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, etc.) from the Middle Ages to the 21st Century. Provides an introduction to Islam and the various empires of Central Asia such as the state of Attila the Hun, Arab Empire, Mongol Khanates, Soviet Union and Taliban in Afghanistan.
Research
Research interests
- America's post-9/11 wars in Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria
- CIA drone warfare and global counter-terrorism
- Taliban, Al Qaeda and ISIS terrorism and warfare
- Islamic Central Asia, Crimea, Russia, Chechnya, Ukraine, Turkey, Balkans
- History of the Ottoman Islamic and Mongol Empires and Barbarian conquests