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COURSE SYLLABUS MIDDLE EASTERN HISTORY Michael Markowski -- Fall Term 2005 -- HIST 330 Links
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An inquiry into Middle Eastern history from the early civilizations to our own day. The aim of the course is to explore the diversity of that land, its cultures and its history in order to gain a deeper understanding of vital current issues. The course will encompass various conflicts as well as quests that have created peace; rise and developments in the three monotheistic religions and their cultures -- Hebrew, Christian and Islamic. The course will follow life in the Middle East under the Jews, then under Greco-Roman polytheists, followed by Christian rule, four centuries of Muslim rule, two centuries of the Crusade Movement, then Muslim resurgence & dominance, European Imperialism & World Wars, then from the complex and changing 20th century to the world-shattering events of the 21st century’s first years -- a turbulent, creative and complex past. . |
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To examine the historical record of the Middle East, i.e., to study many of its important figures and developments, the society and art, the politics, economies, religions and philosophies; To read some of the great works of Middle Eastern writers with a critical attitude, to think through some of the representative ideas and issues, and to evaluate them using both our own standards of judgment, and their own; To analyze cultures which have contributed so much to Western Civilization, but are generally not included in the "Civilizations of the West"; To become familiar with the historical background of the East that pertains to important current events, especially to ponder the problems of war and peace that loom, and to reflect upon our ponderments. To answer historical questions and to communicate both the solution and the method used to arrive at it; To gain a sense that we all participate in the family of humanity, and that learning some of our family's history can teach us about ourselves. |
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Palmer, Monte. At the Heart of Terror: Islam, Jihadists, and America's War on Terrorism. Goldschmidt, A. A Concise History of the Middle East. Esposito, John. Islam: The Straight Path. Peters, Edward . The First Crusade.
Grades will be drawn from Class Discussion (20%), a mid-term examination (30%), Position/Comparative Review (20%) and a final examination (30%). (HIST 330-01 is Crosslisted to HON 300AA-0.) Attendance in class is important, and for discussions, essential.
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Fost 419, Phone: (832)2391 -- Tues 10-12; Fri 11-2 |
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HIST 330 meets in CONV 103, T-Th, 2:00-3:50 P.M. NOTE: Linked Readings will be discussed ON THE DAY they appear on the Syllabus Schedule below. So look ahead to read and so to be prepared.
Sep 1: Introduction to History 330 (Preliminary List of Your Interests) Sep 8: Historical Survey of the Middle East;
Hammurabi's Code; Sep 13: The Ancient "Near East"
-- Continuity & Change (Chronology) Sep 15 : From
Eden to Exile: The Hebrew Testament, People
& Nation.
Sep 20: Hellenistic & Roman East; the Christian Testament; Sep 22: Christianity: Something borrowed,
something new Sep 27:
Christianity in the East; Pictoral
history of Byzantium Sep 29: Muhammed
& Early Islam (G 24-43 ) The Qu'ran Oct 4: Islamic Culture and Related Issues
Oct 6: Arab Conquests, Government &
Caliphate Oct 11: Class Project: Oct 13: Review Oct 18: Midterm Oct 20: Byzantium, the East & the West
in the Early Middle Ages Oct 25: Modern Problems in the Middle East
now in the News & their Roots in the Crusade Movement
Oct 27: Survey of the Crusade Period Nov 1 : Pope Urban & The First Crusade:
How related to bin Laden's conceptions? A Discussion Nov 3 : Colonialism; Western-Style
Reform in the East Nov 8 : Nationalism in the Arab States: The Sykes-Picot & Balfour Agreements (G213-217) represent main causes for Middle East problems today -- or not? Prepare to think, read, debate, write, conclude.
Nov 10: Modernization & "Independence";
Lawrence, Allenby, & The Mandate Nov 15: World War II & the Holocaust
Nov 17 : The Late 40s & the New
Nation of Israel Nov 22: The Six-Days War, and other attempts at war & peace Nov 29: Petrol Power: War & Peace Dec 1: Iran, Iraq & Gulf Wars I &
II Dec 6: Osamah bin Laden, Terrorism
Dec 8: After 9/11 Dec 13: Discussion of Palmer's Possibilities; Helpful Study Hints Final Examination: Monday, Dec 19 @ 2 P.M. |
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This Syllabus is likely to change as students' interests
emerge.
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Westminster College seeks to provide equal access to the college's programs, services, and activities to people with disabilities as defined by the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. If you have a disability for which you will need accommodations in this class, please let the instructor know as soon as possible. You will also be required to provide documentation of your disability to the Services for Students with Disabilities program in the START Center (Carleson Hall, 832-2280). Please refer to the Academic Catalog or the Student Handbook for the College's statement on academic honesty. |
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Last updated November 10, 2005 |
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Clicking this thumbnail anywhere will bring you here. 
(Goldschmidt -- abbrev. as
'G' -- beginning through p.11 for Discussion Today also)