History of the Modern Middle East

Both before but particularly after September 11, 2001, the Middle East has played a vital role in influencing the world we live in. In order to better understand the complexity of this region where major wars have been waged, it is necessary to equip students with an in-depth understanding of the forces and influences that have historically shaped the region. This will be done by asking questions that analyze trends such as the growth of Nation States, of Arab Nationalism, the Arab-Israeli Conflict, the tension between Secularism and Religion, as well as the growth of Muslim Fundamentalism among others. Most importantly various themes will be studied such as that of Continuity and Change. The course will start with the demise of the Ottoman Empire and the Post-World War I Settlements and the rise of Nation-States through our times.