Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2017 - HIST 151 D900

The Modern Middle East (3)

Class Number: 3948

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Surrey

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 12, 2017
    Wed, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Surrey

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 examines the history of that the Middle East from the late eighteenth century to the present. It provides an informed and critical perspective on the history of the region with an emphasis on social, political and religious developments.  Specifically, the course covers the Arabian Peninsula, Egypt, the Fertile Crescent, Iran, and Turkey. A prominent theme of this course is that the passing of the Ottoman Empire is of seminal importance to our understanding of the challenges facing the Middle East today. From Napoleon’s Egyptian expedition to the Arab Spring, students will examine the impact of European methods and practices, alongside cultural-specific responses of emerging nation-states.  Although political currents are considered in depth, much discussion is devoted to associate intellectual, cultural, and economic developments. Accordingly, we will follow current events, and students are encouraged to bring to class stories from the media on subjects related to the major issues of the course.  The instructor will also periodically share links to articles in newspapers and journals.

Grading

  • Four, in-class quizzes 20%
  • Research Assignment 20%
  • In-class midterm examination 25%
  • Final examination 35%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

William L. Cleveland and Martin Bunton, A History of the Modern Middle East, sixth Edition (Westview, 2016).

Marvin E. Gettleman and Stuart Schaar, eds., The Middle East and Islamic World Reader, third edition (Grove, 2012).

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

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

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS