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:

1. Understand the historical backdrop of the Islamic world in the late 19th and 20th centuries.
2. Analyze the effects of European colonialism and imperialism on Islamic societies.
3. Trace the emergence and development of modern nation-states in the Islamic world.
4. Evaluate the impact of key political events, such as the fall of the Ottoman Empire and the Iranian Revolution, on the global Islamic community.
5. Discuss the significance of oil and geopolitics in shaping the modern Middle East.
6. Explore the diverse responses of Muslim societies to modernization and Westernization.
7. Examine the role of Islam in contemporary political movements and conflicts.
8. Assess the social and cultural transformations within Islamic societies in the context of globalization.
9. Critically evaluate the portrayal of Islam and Muslims in the global media.
10. Reflect on the future challenges and opportunities facing the Islamic world.