By the end of the course, students will be able to:

Trace the historical developments of the Balkans, from fourteenth to the seventeenth century, with a particular focus on the region's diverse cultural and political landscape.

Analyze the influence of Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires on the formation of early and medieval Balkan states.

Examine the significance of Turkic and Slavic migrations and their impact on the region’s demographic and political structure.

Discuss the process of the Turkish conquest and settlement of the Balkans, drawing on primary sources and scholarly works

Evaluate the role of Islamization in shaping the western Balkans, particularly in Bosnia

Assess the development of Macedonian identity and the historical importance of Macedonia in Balkan history.

Demonstrate map skills by identifying key geographical regions and cities in the Balkans, reinforcing the spatial understanding of historical events.

Critically assess how historical legacies, such as Ottoman rule and ethnic migrations, have influenced contemporary issues in the Balkans.

Synthesize key themes from the course through reviews, midterm exams, and discussions, building a coherent understanding of the Balkans' historical trajectory.