Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2024 - HIST 354 D100

Imperialism and Modernity in the Middle East (4)

Class Number: 4726

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 20, 2024
    Sat, 7:00–10:00 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 today. 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; 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 25%
  • Research Essay 25%
  • Final Examination 35%
  • Tutorial participation 15%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

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


REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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