At the end of the course, the students should be able to:
The history of the modern Middle East. While moving chronologically through the past three centuries, critical analytical themes of political, social, economic, and cultural history. The Ottoman imperial state and provincial history, the growing impact of the West, the historical transformation of economy and trade, ethnic and religious minorities, and internal reform in the 18th-19th centuries.
European colonialism, the rise of nationalism, the emergence of the nation-state throughout the Middle East, and the ongoing struggle over its character in the 20th century. History of contemporary wars in the Middle East such as Iraq-Iran. Iraq-Allied Forces, the issues, the recent ‘Arab Springs’ and the Gulf region and the role of international agencies and community, the impacts and many others.,
Nuclear race in the Middle East especially Israel, Iran and Syria. Regional and international efforts at peace settlements like Camp David Summit (1978), Oslo I & II Accords (1993- 1995), Madrid Conference (1991), Road Map (2003), Mitchell-led Talks (2010-11), Kerry-led Talks (2013-14).
The history of Palestine in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, the emergence of the State of Israel in 1948, and the on-going Israeli-Palestinian struggle over this territory. Society and economy. Political, religious, and local identities. Western involvement in the Holy Land.
The birth of the Zionist movement as well as of a local Palestinian-Arab movements. State building. The 1948 war and the creation of the Palestinian refugee problem. The 1967 war. The Palestinian Intifada(s). The role of gender in the conflict. The structure and culture of occupation.
