Advanced Topics in Middle East & North African Studies (390-4-2)

Topic

The Arabian Peninsula Since the 18th Century

Instructors

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

Meeting Info

University Hall 102: Mon, Wed, Fri 3:00PM - 3:50PM

Overview of class

The Arabian Peninsula Since the 18th Century

This course aims at introducing students to major themes in the modern history, politics and societies of the Arabian Peninsula—a land mass that comprises the seven states: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, Oman, and Yemen. Although this subsection of the Middle East has long been neglected in academia, it is now an increasingly pivotal region. The first half of the course will concentrate on state formation and the political, economic, and ideological forces that shaped the Arabian Peninsula until the British

Learning Objectives

1- Identify key turning points in the modern history and the Arabian Peninsula—from state formation to cultural transformations—as well as the social, political and economic factors that underlay them.
2- Appreciate the diversity and specificities of the societies of the Arabian Peninsula in the modern period.
3- Analyze and interpret historical information and primary sources to formulate arguments about change over time.

Evaluation Method

The final grade for the course depends on the satisfactory and timely completion of: • Participation and assignments in discussion sections (20%) • an in-class map quiz on Friday of Week 3 (5%) • a midterm examination on week 5 worth 25% • a take-home final exam at the end of the quarter worth 50%

Class Materials (Required)

Materials will be posted on Canvas

Class Attributes

Historical Studies Foundational Discipline
SoC Individual and Social Behavior Distro

Associated Classes

DIS - Lutkin Hall: Thurs 11:00AM - 11:50AM

DIS - Harris Hall 107: Thurs 1:00PM - 1:50PM

DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 2-319: Thurs 2:00PM - 2:50PM