The course provides broad knowledge and insight into the history of the country
In early October 2022, Qatar University (QU) launched a massive open online course (MOOC) on the ‘edX’ worldwide e-learning platform titled “Qatari History and Heritage”. The Qatari History and Heritage MOOC provides a broad knowledge of and an in-depth insight into the history of Qatar from its days as a society based on pearl diving and maritime trade to its development into a traditional Arabian Gulf emirate and then a modern state. The curriculum includes an extensive discussion of Qatar’s cultures and traditions stemming from its pre-modern maritime and desert societies. The last aspect covered is contemporary Qatar and its role at the global stage.
This course aims to familiarize its audience with the evolution of life, culture, society, and politics in the Qatari peninsula from ancient to contemporary times. It will focus on history, geography, archaeology, and culture in this regard. Its audience will gain an extensive understanding of the unique aspects of the evolution of social life in Qatar over centuries, as well as of Qatar’s interaction with the surrounding regions, such as the Gulf, the Arabian Peninsula, the Indian Ocean region, Africa, Persia, the more expansive Islamic and Arab worlds, and Europe. This course also provides extensive insights into the Qatari society, culture, religion, and economy during the pre-modern era of pearl diving and after oil discovery. Of particular focus, will be the intersection of geography and economy, as it relates to the society and culture inside the Qatari desert heartland and the coastal towns and villages.
Concerning the latter, the course aims to highlight the struggle of Qataris in developing their traditional Arabian Gulf emirate and later an independent modern state. The last modules of this course will focus on contemporary Qatar, its society, its role as a key player in the Gulf, the Arab, and Islamic worlds, and Qatar’s larger international arena in areas such as politics, economy, culture, religion, and sport.
Source: Qatar University
