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Introductory Topics in Middle East and North African Studies (290-4-20)

Topic

History of the Modern Middle East: 1789-Present

Instructors

Henri Lauziere
847/467-3654
Harris Hall - Room 333

Meeting Info

Annenberg Hall G15: Mon, Wed, Fri 2:00PM - 2:50PM

Overview of class

The course surveys the factors that shaped the political, economic, and social features of the modern Middle East from 1789 to the present. The course begins with a study of traditional (mainly Ottoman) institutions; it then traces the forces which weakened those institutions and examines the efforts of Middle Eastern leaders to resist or encourage change. The second half of the course focuses on the period since World War I. It examines the origins of the Arab-Israeli conflict, the significance of secular ideologies such as Arab nationalism and socialism, the successes and failure of the Nasser regime in Egypt, the rise of Islamism, the Iranian revolution, and the Middle East since the end of the Cold War.

Evaluation Method

Two exams: a modified takehome midterm (35%) and a final (45%). Participation (20%).

Class Materials (Required)

A History of the Modern Middle East, 6th edition William L. Cleveland and Martin Bunton 978-0813349800 Routledge The Day the Leader Was Killed Naguib Mahfouz 978-0385499224 Anchor

Class Attributes

Historical Studies Distro Area

Associated Classes

DIS - Harris Hall L04: Thurs 10:00AM - 10:50AM

DIS - Harris Hall L28: Thurs 11:00AM - 11:50AM

DIS - Harris Hall L05: Thurs 9:00AM - 9:50AM

DIS - Harris Hall L04: Thurs 1:00PM - 1:50PM

DIS - University Hall 112: Thurs 2:00PM - 2:50PM

DIS - University Hall 312: Thurs 3:00PM - 3:50PM