History 139 Introduction to the Modern Middle East (MWF 11:00-11:50AM)
Description: Traces the formation of the states and societies that compose the contemporary Middle East. How have global phenomena, including two world wars, the Cold War, women’s movements, and modern science, technology, and fossil fuels, affected the politics, culture, and daily lives of Middle Eastern people? What is Islamism, and how should we explain its influence? Why has the United States had such a troubled relationship with this part of the world? Balances a generally thematic approach with several weeks of country-specific studies, including Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Syria, and Israel and the Palestinian territories.
History 706 Historiography of the Middle East and North Africa (F 8:50-10:45am)
Description: Acquire a critical understanding of the major debates and scholarly trends in the historiography of North Africa and the Middle East since the 18th century. Intended for graduate students interested in the professional study of the Middle East and North Africa, or related fields. Assignments include scholarly book reviews and review essays.