Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2016 - HIST 151 D100

The Modern Middle East (3)

Class Number: 4729

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Aug 15, 2016
    Mon, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introductory survey of the changing societies of the Middle East since 1800. Emphasis will be placed on familiarizing students with the basic aspects of Islamic society, the influence of European imperialism, the modernization of traditional societies, the origins of the Arab-Israeli conflict, and the social and political ferment in the period since the Second World War. Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course introduces students to the major themes of the last two centuries of Middle Eastern history and seeks to promote an understanding of the background to the current conflicts in this important region of the world.

The course begins with a study of politics and society in the late Ottoman Empire and Qajar Iran; it then traces the forces that transformed these states and societies and examines the efforts of Middle Eastern men and women to shape, resist or deal with change.

The second half of the course focuses on the period since World War I. It examines the era of Anglo-French dominance in the aftermath of the Ottoman defeat, the creation of a secular Turkish republic, the origins of the Arab-Israeli conflict, the successes and failures of the Nasser, Sadat, and Mubarak regimes in Egypt, the rise of Palestinian nationalism, the role of political Islam in Turkey, Iran, and Egypt, and the challenges to authoritarian rule in these countries during opening decade of the 21st century.

Grading

  • 1500 word review essay - (The essay will be based on materials distributed to all students) 25%
  • Mid-term examination 25%
  • Final examination 30%
  • Tutorial participation 20%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

William L. Cleveland and Martin Bunton, A History of the Modern Middle East. 5th Edition (2012).

Marvin Gettleman and Stuart Schaar, The Middle East and Islamic World Reader. 3rd Edition (2012).

Thomas Kuehn, Custom Courseware.

Registrar Notes:

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site contains information on what is meant by academic dishonesty and where you can find resources to help with your studies.  There is also a section on tutoring.  

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS