HIST 2350 - The Modern Middle East

3 sem hrs cr

An introduction to the people, culture, geography, and history of the modern Middle East from the transitional period of 600s until the more recent past. Includes the rise of Islam, Arab nationalism and formation of the modern states, the creation of Israel, oil and natural resources, social structures and family life, international diplomacy and peacemaking, problems of Westernization and modernization, and political Islam.  Prerequisite: Exemption from or completion of Learning Support Reading and Writing

In rare and unusual circumstances, a course prerequisite can be overridden with the permission of the Department Lead for the discipline.  

Transfer (UT) or Non-Transfer Course (UN): UN

Students will…

• be able to explain the impact of the modern Middle East’s history on the modern world, alongside the cultural, political, and societal ramifications of the interactions with the Middle East and the wider world.
• be able to explain the impact of outside political forces on the geopolitical nature of the region.
• appraise Arab, European, and Asian historical narratives, interpretations, and evidence from the region.
• learn the regional histories of various minorities, such as Maronite Christian, Jewish, Kurdish, and the various perspectives of different women’s histories.