This course introduces graduate students to the use of travelogues as a historical source by focusing on the literature produced by and about Middle Easterners from the 19th century. We will examine the ways in which travellers' journeys intersected with the geopolitical aims of empire and colonialism in the production of knowledge. We will also look at how travellers' experiences of foreign cultures were shaped by such factors as religion, gender, and ethnic identity. Finally, we will explore the phenomena of spiritual awakenings, orientalism, and cultural appreciation and appropriation. All sources will be provided in English translation. Students with knowledge of other languages will be encouraged to put those skills to use.