Contemporary Islamic History delves into the transformative events and pivotal movements that have shaped the Islamic world from the late 19th century to the present day. This course examines the impact of colonialism, the struggle for independence, the emergence of nation-states, and the role of Islam in modern political, social, and cultural contexts. Through a detailed exploration of key events, such as the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire, the creation of modern Turkey, the discovery of oil in the Middle East, the Iranian Revolution, the Arab-Israeli conflict, and the rise of political Islam, students will gain a nuanced understanding of the forces that have defined contemporary Islamic societies.
Overall Objectives 2:
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
- Understand the historical backdrop of the Islamic world in the late 19th and 20th centuries.
- Analyze the effects of European colonialism and imperialism on Islamic societies.
- Trace the emergence and development of modern nation-states in the Islamic world.
- Evaluate the impact of key political events, such as the fall of the Ottoman Empire and the Iranian Revolution, on the global Islamic community.
- Discuss the significance of oil and geopolitics in shaping the modern Middle East.
- Explore the diverse responses of Muslim societies to modernization and Westernization.
- Examine the role of Islam in contemporary political movements and conflicts.
- Assess the social and cultural transformations within Islamic societies in the context of globalization.
- Critically evaluate the portrayal of Islam and Muslims in the global media.
- Reflect on the future challenges and opportunities facing the Islamic world.
Curriculum
- 14 Sections
- 0 Lessons
- 14 Weeks
- Week 1: The End of the Ottoman Empire and the Birth of Modern Turkey – Understanding the transition from empire to nation-state.0
- Week 2: Colonialism in the Islamic World – Analyzing the impact of European control and the struggle for independence.0
- Week 3: The Creation of Modern Nation-States – Examining the formation of countries within the Middle East and North Africa.0
- Week 4: The Discovery of Oil and Its Impact – Exploring how oil wealth transformed the geopolitics of the Middle East.0
- Week 5: The Arab-Israeli Conflict – Tracing the origins and developments of one of the most enduring conflicts in modern history.0
- Week 6: The Iranian Revolution and Its Aftermath – Understanding the causes and consequences of the revolution on the Islamic world.0
- Week 7: Islam and Politics in the 20th Century – Examining the rise of political Islam and Islamist movements.0
- Week 8: The Gulf Wars and Their Impact – Assessing the regional and global implications of the Gulf Wars.0
- Week 9: The Arab Spring and Its Consequences – Analyzing the causes, outcomes, and ongoing effects of the Arab Spring uprisings.0
- Week 10: Terrorism and Counterterrorism – Exploring the rise of extremist groups and the global response.0
- Week 11: The Role of Islam in Contemporary Societies – Understanding the diverse ways Islam influences modern social and cultural practices.0
- Week 12: Globalization and the Islamic World – Examining the challenges and opportunities presented by global interconnectedness.0
- Week 13: Media Representation of Islam and Muslims – Critically assessing how Muslims are portrayed in international media.0
- Week 14: Looking Forward – Discussing the future prospects and challenges facing the Islamic world in the 21st century.0
