Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - HIST 276 D100

History of the Modern Mediterranean World 1500 to the Present (3)

Class Number: 2826

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Examines the history of the Mediterranean world in the early modern and modern periods with a focus on human exchanges and conflicts, geopolitical rivalries and collaborations, and the movement of people, ideas, and goods. Students with credit for HS 276 or HUM 276 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course is a broad overview of the history of the modern Mediterranean from the Renaissance to the present. The course will examine through the examination of primary sources the struggle for dominance between the Ottoman and Spanish Empires, the rise of nationalism and the creation of modern nation states, the effects of the Great Power rivalries, the effects of wars, including the two World Wars, and the eruption of modern crises including the Palestinian question, the refugee crisis, and the Greek-Turkish rivalry. At the same time, it will examine the peaceful relations between states from the trade routes of the Renaissance to the emergence of the European Union, or the cultural exchanges between southern Europe and North Africa.

Schedule of Classes

1 – The Mediterranean World to 1500

2 – Roman Legacies: East and West

3 –The Ottomans

4 – The Decline of the Mediterranean World?

5 - Revolution and Disorder

6 – Nationalism and “Revivals”

7 - Midterm

8 - Imperialism and Cosmopolitanism

9 – Crises and Wars

10 – Cold War Divisions

11- The Palestinian Conflict

12 - The Contemporary Mediterranean

 

Grading

  • Class Participation 25%
  • Journal 25%
  • Midterm 25%
  • Final Exam 25%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All required readings can be found on Canvas.


RECOMMENDED READING:

“The Great Sea. A Human History of the Mediterranean”, by David Abulafia, (Oxford University Press, 2011)

Department Undergraduate Notes:

Learn more about studing History at SFU:

History areas of study


Why study History?

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.