Special Topics: History of the Modern Middle East

HIS382 is an introductory survey course intended for students who have little or no knowledge or understanding of Middle Eastern history. Students in this course will explore the history of the Middle East, particularly since the emergence of the region in its modern form since World War I.

Middle Eastern history must be understood within the context of the indigenous forces (political, economic, religious and social) at work within the region. Although there is a long history of foreign interference in the region, the focus of this course will be to analyze individuals, groups, and events within their own cultural and historical context. Students will seek to make generalizations about the historical development of the region as a whole, while understanding the diversity that is characteristic of each nation that comprises the region. This course satisfies the diversity requirement for the core.

For many students, this course will be the only exposure and study of a region of the world about which they have received little systematic instruction and that is widely misunderstood. Economically, the oil rich nations of the region have come to play a major role in the world economy and global politics. Islam is the world's fastest growing religion. Political instability and terrorism dominated the news during the past several decades. Students need to distinguish the truth from the stereotype and understand the historical roots of these issues to draw informed conclusions. By studying another culture and its history, students will learn more about their own culture and individual beliefs.

Students in this class will also work on developing their written communication skills. Workshops on writing a clear thesis statement, integrating sources effectively, developing coherence and flow, and peer editing are scheduled throughout the semester. Studies will practice these skills by writing and revising a series of position papers and a 5-7 page research paper.