Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2015 - HIST 151 D100

The Modern Middle East (3)

Class Number: 5865

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2015: Wed, Fri, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 19, 2015
    Sat, 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:

THE MODERN MIDDLE EAST: A SURVEY OF CHANGING SOCIETIES

The Middle East is frequently described as a “problem region” by journalists and policymakers, where passion prevails over reason, where primordial loyalties are privileged over socio-economic or political coalitions. This course aims to step beyond such generalizations, by way of an overview of the region's modern history. This overview will provide a context with which students can approach further work in modern Middle Eastern studies. Perhaps more importantly, the course will, in its own right, enable students to adopt an informed, critical perspective on the region's current conflicts and challenges. Specifically, the course covers Egypt, Turkey, Iran, the Fertile Crescent, and the Arabian Peninsula. After surveying the Ottoman world in the nineteenth century, students will examine the emergence of the principal nation-states of the Middle East in the wake of the First World War. Although political currents are considered in depth, much discussion is devoted to associated social, intellectual, cultural, and economic developments.

For further information, please visit http://paulsedra.com

Grading

  • 1500-word essay, based on materials distributed to all students 20%
  • In-class mid-term examination 30%
  • Final examination 40%
  • Tutorial participation 10%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

William Cleveland and Martin Bunton, A History of the Modern Middle East, fifth edition (Westview Press, 2013).

Marvin Gettleman and Stuart Schaar (editors), The Middle East and Islamic World Reader: An Historical Reader for the 21st Century, third edition (Grove Press, 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