HIST 361: Modern History of the Middle East offers a profound exploration into the complex tapestry of events, ideologies, and personalities that have shaped the Middle East from the 18th century to the present day. This course navigates the transformative periods of reform, colonialism, nationalism, and the struggle for independence, delving into the impact of major global events such as the World Wars, the Cold War, and the rise of globalization on the region. It critically examines the formation of modern nation-states, the discovery and politicization of oil, and the emergence of political Islam as a significant force.
Students will engage with the intricate dynamics of Middle Eastern societies, including the Ottoman Empire’s legacy, European imperial ambitions, and the enduring conflict over Palestine. The course provides insights into the Arab-Israeli conflict, the Iranian Revolution, the Gulf Wars, and the Arab Spring, highlighting their implications for regional and global politics. Through a blend of historical analysis and contemporary perspectives, students will explore the diverse cultures, religions, and political movements that have contributed to the region’s unique identity and ongoing challenges.
Overall Objectives for this Course:
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
- Understand the key events and movements that have shaped the modern Middle East.
- Analyze the effects of colonialism and imperialism on the region’s development.
- Evaluate the role of nationalism and identity in shaping Middle Eastern societies.
- Discuss the significance of oil in the political economy of the Middle East.
- Examine the causes and consequences of major conflicts in the region, including the Arab-Israeli conflict.
- Assess the impact of political Islam on Middle Eastern and global politics.
- Explore the socio-economic challenges and opportunities facing the Middle East today.
- Critically evaluate the role of external powers in the region’s history.
- Reflect on the prospects for peace, stability, and democratic governance in the Middle East.
- Develop a nuanced understanding of the Middle East’s diversity and its global interconnections.
Curriculum
- 15 Sections
- 0 Lessons
- 14 Weeks
- Reading ProjectsFor a comprehensive understanding of the Modern History of the Middle East, two highly recommended books are “A History of the Arab Peoples” by Albert Hourani and “The Ottoman Endgame: War, Revolution and the Making of the Modern Middle East, 1908-1923” by Sean McMeekin. Hourani’s book is celebrated for its coherent, consistent, and engaging narrative that spans from the Atlantic to South Asia, covering the diverse political systems, geographic locations, and the consistent culture and civilization of the Arabs across different epochs. It’s an excellent choice for gaining a deep understanding of Arab history and its influence on the Middle East2
- Week 1: The Ottoman Legacy and the 19th Century Reform Movements.0
- Week 2: European Imperialism and its Impact on the Middle East.0
- Week 3: The Emergence of Nationalism and the Struggle for Independence.0
- Week 4: The Discovery of Oil and its Global Implications.0
- Week 5: The Creation of Israel and the Roots of the Arab-Israeli Conflict.0
- Week 6: The Suez Crisis and the Rise of Arab Nationalism.0
- Week 7: The Iranian Revolution and its Regional Effects.0
- Week 8: The Gulf Wars and the New World Order.0
- Week 9: The Peace Process and the Oslo Accords.0
- Week 10: The Arab Spring: Causes, Events, and Outcomes.0
- Week 11: Contemporary Conflicts: Syria, Iraq, and Yemen.0
- Week 12: Political Islam and the Future of the Middle East.0
- Week 13: Socio-Economic Challenges and Opportunities in the 21st Century.0
- Week 14: Reflections on the Modern History of the Middle East and Future Prospects.0
