The document provides guidance on writing an essay about changes in women's status in Islam over time. It outlines the pre-Islamic period, the Umayyad Empire period, and the Abbasid Empire period. For each time period, it prompts the writer to discuss the baseline status of women, changes resulting from Muhammad's teachings and the spread of Islam, and factors influencing changes in women's status and why. The document also provides instructions on writing an introduction with a strong thesis, body paragraphs in each time period with evidence and analysis, and a conclusion restating the thesis and bringing in broader context.

1. Change and Continuity Over Time Essay Strategies and Techniques

2. Step 1: Analyze the prompt Analyze the changes in the status of women in Islam from the pre-Islamic period to the Abbasid Empire.

3. Step 1: Analyze the prompt Analyze the changes in the status of women in Islam from the [pre-Islamic period to the Abbasid Empire].

4. Pre-Islamic: before 630’s Muhammad’s teachings encouraged some equality Enjoyed greater liberty than those of Byzantium or Persia Played important economic roles In some clans descent was matrilineal not secluded In some clans both males and females allowed multiple marriages. Baseline What was the status of women in pre-Islamic times? Change What was the result of these changes? Impact What factors changed this status? Why and in what way?

5. Pre-Islamic: before 630’s Muhammad’s teachings encouraged some equality Enjoyed greater liberty than those of Byzantium or Persia Played important economic roles In some clans descent was matrilineal not secluded In some clans both males and females allowed multiple marriages. Umayyad Empire: 660-750 Conquest of new territory and spread of Islam. Long established Middle Eastern male-dominated traditions of the conquered societies prevailed. Political centralization and urbanization mark decline in women’s status Still, better status under Islamic religion and law Baseline What was the status of women in pre-Islamic times? Change What was the result of these changes? Impact What factors changed this status? Why and in what way?

6. Pre-Islamic: before 630’s Muhammad’s teachings encouraged some equality Enjoyed greater liberty than those of Byzantium or Persia Played important economic roles In some clans descent was matrilineal not secluded In some clans both males and females allowed multiple marriages. Umayyad Empire: 660-750 Conquest of new territory and spread of Islam. Long established Middle Eastern male-dominated traditions of the conquered societies prevailed. Political centralization and urbanization mark decline in women’s status Still, better status under Islamic religion and law Abbasid Empire: 750’s-1200’s Under influence of Persian culture, women veiled and secluded Increase in patriarchal authority Only males permitted multiple marriages Development of the harem Baseline What was the status of women in pre-Islamic times? Change What was the result of these changes? Impact What factors changed this status? Why and in what way?

7. The Thesis Paragraph 1. Introduction sentence. 2. Take a position on the question (strong thesis sentence) 3. Set out categories for discussion (SPEC?). You must address all parts of the question . 4. State time periods and show change and continuity in the thesis paragraph. 5. Transition sentence (However, ………….)