Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - HIST 354 D100

Imperialism and Modernity in the Middle East (4)

Class Number: 6478

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

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

  • Prerequisites:

    45 units, including six units of lower division history. Recommended: one of HIST 151, 249.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

This course examines the role of imperialism in the transformation of societies in the Middle East and North Africa over the last two centuries. Focusing mainly on the cases of Ottoman, British and French empire building, the course discusses the socio-economic, cultural and political changes brought about by the interaction of various segments of local societies with these imperial powers.

COURSE DETAILS:

To this day, the encounters of peoples in the Middle East with imperialist politics shape the economic, political, and social realities of this region to a significant degree. This course allows you to understand the role of imperialisms in the transformation of societies in the Middle East and North Africa over the last two centuries, from the 1780s to the second Gulf War in 2003 and the Russian intervention in Syria during the 2010s. Focusing mainly on the cases of Ottoman, British, French, Italian, and U.S. empire building, we will discuss the socio-economic, cultural, and political changes brought about by the encounters of local women and men with these imperial powers. Key themes of this course include different forms of economic domination; military violence; colonial, imperial, and nation state building; as well as the emergence of political Islam and organized labour. In this connection, we will pay particular attention to the ways in which these were contested, bypassed, and overturned through the actions of artisans, workers, journalists, farmers, nomads, bureaucrats, military men, bankers, merchants, and industrialists, and their competition over political influence and economic resources.

Grading

  • Mid-term examination 20%
  • Research Essay 20%
  • Article Annotations 10%
  • Final examination 35%
  • Tutorial participation 15%

NOTES:

This course counts towards the Group 1: Africa, Asia, Middle East requirement for History majors as well as the concentration in Middle Easter and Islamic History. 

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Mokhtar Mokhtefi, I was a French Muslim. Memories of an Algerian Freedom Fighter (New York: Other Press, 2021).


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

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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.