Colloquium Week

Thursday we had a discussion about The Imperial Harrem. I personally did not really enjoy reading the book but I did think that it was very informational and discussed a great deal about the Women in the Ottoman Empire. I understand why my Professor had us read the book but at the same time I wish it was not so independent because I was lost on alot of the information. So far, I feel as though the class has been based on assuming a strong background on Middle Eastern and African History. I defenitely do not have much prior information on this. The class is moving fast and I feel like when we take notes I am not writing down all of the information I am expected to have. I don't really feel like I am learning much. I feel like i'm doing the reading assignments and that I am expected to be learning all about Middle Eastern History from that. History books are dry, and I don't learn from just reading about a time in history. I can't always understand what some of the readings are about and I hope that the class is not just based on whether I successfully digested the books or not. I was looking on the syllabus and it says that the Professor will determine whether she thinks you read the book or not and that will determine like 30% of your grade. I am just nervous that I won't be learning as much as the Professor expects me to. I want to succeed and so far I feel a bit hostile and I wish I had some more concrete notes. The slides move so fast, maybe she would consider posting them on blackboard or something?? Lastly, I did enjoy discussing the book becuase I liked hearing how other people interperted the readings. I twas comforting to know that alot of people agreed that it was rather heavy dense reading. The map quizes were a good jog of my memory...I guess. I liked watching the movie about Suleyman and then discussing all of the false facts in the video. It is unbelievable how believable sources can sound.

My reaction to The Imperial Harrem is surprised. It is interesting how women and even how slaves are portrayed in this book. Women were important, for they raised the son that could be control one day. They moved with him to an outside town and guided him. Compared to what I have learned about women from other societies and cultures, it is quite refreshing to find that they were respected here. They lived a good life to a certain extent. However had a bargain to hold up...or at least thats they way I interperted it. This was a very informational book on women and women's role within the Imperial Harrem which is not to be burried. I think the author wrote this book to remind everyone that Women did have a role and in actuality, women had alot to do with many of the things that went on in this system.