The course is intended to provide a basic introduction to the history of the Indian Ocean. The course will focus on the Indian Ocean basin as an arena of transnational and interregional relations. Special emphasis will be placed on the relations with the Red Sea and on cultural and religious networks with a focus on the Hajj.

By the end of this course, the students should have an:
- overall acquaintance with current academic takes on Indian Ocean Studies;
- overview of the major historical events in the Indian Ocean Region;
- understand the processes of Globalization in the Indian Ocean Region;
- acquire the ability to independently identify and select literature relevant to Indian Ocean Studies.

Through participation in seminars, students will improve their presentational and argumentative skills.