Program Overview

Modern Middle East (HIST*3830)

Course Details

The course code for Modern Middle East is HIST*3830, with section 01, offered during the Fall 2018 term. The course instructor is Evren Altinkas.

Course Synopsis

This course explores the struggles for national independence in the region after 1919, the impact of the developing oil industry, the creation of Israel and the resulting Arab-Israeli conflict, the rise of American influence, the divisiveness of Cold War politics, and the role of women in contemporary Islamic societies. The Middle East is a region that has always been at the crossroads of civilizations, with many historical factors shaping its current map. The course examines the concept of Orientalism, its effect on the people living in the region, and how European imperialism affected the region leading up to World War I.

Course Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will:

• understand how the Middle East was shaped into its current state since the beginning of the 20th century and be able to interpret and discuss the reasons for this
• gain experience in interpreting primary resources
• improve their written and analytical skills
• engage in group studies and discussions to improve their rhetorical skills

Required Resources

• William L. Cleveland, A History of the Modern Middle East, 6th ed. (Routledge, 2016)

Additional Resources

• Marvin E. Gettleman and Stuart Schaar (eds.), The Middle East and Islamic World Reader: A Historical Reader for the 21st Century (Grove Press, 2012)

Assessment Details

• Take-home Midterm Essay Examination (30%)
• Participation in discussions (15%)
• Research essay abstract, source list (10%)
• Presentation of research essay topic (10%)
• Final Research Essay Assignment (2000 words) (35%)

Departments and Schools

The course is associated with the following departments and schools:

• School of Theatre, English, and Creative Writing
• School of Fine Art and Music
• School of Languages and Literatures
• Department of History
• Department of Philosophy
• Interdisciplinary Programs

Centres, Institutes and Labs

The university features various centres, institutes, and labs, including:

• Centre for Scottish Studies
• Grounded and Engaged Theory Lab (GET)
• Interdisciplinary Design Lab
• The International Institute for Critical Studies in Improvisation
• The Humanities Interdisciplinary Collaboration Lab (THINC)
• The School of Fine Art & Music Print Study Collection