HIST 2880 - The Modern Middle East: From Islam to ISIS (CZ or HF)

(3) Credit Hours

The Middle East is one of the most important and complex areas of the world, and the region’s events and affairs have always been of international significance. This course will examine the modern history of the Middle East and will explore the sources of its complexity and world-historical importance. After introducing the pre-modern history of the region and the rise of Islam, we will examine the major events and developments that have shaped the modern Middle East, including politics and reform in the Ottoman Empire in the face of growing penetration by outside powers; World War I, the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire, and the formation of new Middle Eastern states; World War II and the Cold War in the Middle East; and the Arab-Israel conflict. We will conclude by examining more recent events in historical perspective, including Iran’s nuclear program, the Arab Spring, and the self-proclaimed Islamic State. Every 3-4 semesters.
General Education Category: Individual and Global Citizenship or Humanities and Fine Arts