This course explores the history of the Middle East (focusing primarily on the last century) and examines the close relationship between religion and politics in the region. Topics of study include the development of religious and political Islam, the impact of imperialism, the development of nationalism, the effects of British and French rule, Arab-Israeli relations, and the political and economic impact of oil.
Three main themes (culture, power, and geography) provide a foundation of inquiry for this course. Furthermore, political and social aspects of the Middle East, including the concepts of "jihad" and "ijtihad", are explored in historical and contemporary contexts. This course will help students better understand the people of the Middle East through Non-Western media (including news reports and documentaries) and utilizes a diverse range of authors and scholarship. Lastly, it seeks to help students better understand varying perspectives regarding the Middle East's depiction in Western culture, literature, and media.
This is an honors level class designed for motivated students who are interested in developing informed perspectives that may complicate previous knowledge regarding the Middle East.
This course includes a variety of learning activities including discussions, presentations, and team projects. It also includes a final project and a final proctored assessment.