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COURSE SYLLABUS MIDDLE EASTERN HISTORY Michael Markowski -- Spring Term 2009 -- 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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Sharon, Ariel. Warrior: An Autobiography. 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 -- MTWTh 8:45-10 |
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HIST 330 meets in CONV 116, M-W, 12:00-1:50 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.
Jan 7: Introduction
to History 330 (Preliminary List of Your Interests) Jan 12: Historical Survey of the Middle East;
Hammurabi's Code; Jan 14: The Ancient "Near East"
-- Continuity & Change (Chronology) Jan 20 : From
Eden to Exile: The Hebrew Testament, People
& Nation.
Jan 21: Hellenistic & Roman East; the Christian Testament; Jan 26: Christianity: Something borrowed,
something new Jan 28:
Christianity in the East; Pictoral
history of Byzantium Feb 2: Muhammed
& Early Islam & in one page(G 24-43 ) The Qu'ran Feb 4: Islamic Culture and Related Issues
Feb 9: Arab Conquests, Government &
Caliphate Feb 11: Class Project: Feb 18: Midterm (Read -- and Research current events related to -- the J.J. Saunders article over the break) Mar 2: Why do some find Saunders' article objectionable? Why do others find acceptable explanations in it? What do YOU find and why, esp given current events? Mar 4: Byzantium, the East & the West
in the Early Middle Ages Mar 9: Modern Problems in the Middle East
now in the News & their Roots in the Crusade Movement
Mar 11: Survey of the Crusade Period Mar 16: Pope Urban & The First Crusade:
How related to bin Laden's conceptions? A Discussion Mar 18: Colonialism; Western-Style
Reform in the East Mar 23: 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.
Mar 25: Modernization & "Independence";
Lawrence, Allenby, & The Mandate Mar 30: World War II & the Holocaust
Apr 1 : The Late 40s & the New
Nation of Israel Apr 6: The Six-Days War, and other attempts at war & peace Apr 8: Petrol Power: War & Peace Apr 13: Iran, Iraq & Gulf Wars I &
II Apr 15: Osamah bin Laden, Terrorism Apr 20: After 9/11 Apr 22: Discussion of Ariel Sharon, & his Life & Times; Helpful Study Hints Final Examination |
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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 February 4, 2009 |
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