“Topics in 20th Century Middle Eastern History”
Kenneth W. Stein, Introductory, All Levels, Emory University, Spring 2006
The purpose of this course is twofold. First, it is designed to acquaint students with an in-depth understanding of the major issues affecting the Middle East in the 20th century. Students review the origins and development of the modern Middle East and understand the social, economic, and political foundations that set the stage for the region this century. Second, students become familiar with original source material that frame the key issues in the modern Middle East and engage in nonpartisan discussion through written and oral presentations. Course topics include evolution and development of Arab political culture, the legacy of Islam, the socio-economic-demographic underpinnings of the modern Middle East, the transformation of the Middle East in the 1908-1923 period, the controversial legacies of European colonial and imperial presence in the region during the first half of the 20th century, establishment of independent Arab states, political economies, Islam in contemporary politics, Palestinian nationalism, Jewish political culture, Zionism and Israel, evolution of the Arab-Israeli conflict, the cold war in the region, inter-Arab politics, American/European interests toward the Middle East, chances of democratic reform, the explosion of the media upon Middle Eastern societies, the role of the foreigner in shaping change, and understanding how historical narratives are created and written.
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