Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2021 - HIST 151 D900

The Modern Middle East (3)

Class Number: 5682

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 22, 2021
    Thu, 10:00–10:00 a.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:

CONTENT:

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 women and men 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 the opening decade of the 21st century.

Please note that this course will be run synchronously: Our weekly lectures and tutorials will take place in real time in the Black Collaborate Ultra section of HIST 151’s CANVAS page. However, all lectures will be recorded.

 

Grading

  • 1500-word review essay (The essay will be based on materials distributed to all students) 25%
  • Mid-term examination 25%
  • Final examination 35%
  • Tutorial participation 15%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

William L. Cleveland and Martin Bunton, A History of the Modern Middle East. 6th Edition (2016).

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

Thomas Kuehn, Custom Courseware

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/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

TEACHING AT SFU IN SPRING 2021

Teaching at SFU in spring 2021 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).