Islamic Worlds/Middle East

This course will examine the rise of Islam as a religion and as a political and cultural system, from the time of Muhammad (sixth century) to the early Ottomans (15th century). Attention will be given to Islamic dynasties and states from Central Asia to Spain, and to the spread of Islamic religion and culture to South Asia and Africa. Themes will include the interaction of nomad and sedentary societies, dissenting groups and minorities, relations between Muslims and Europeans, slavery and social organization, and developments in science and literature.

Prof. Reza, 4 credits, MWF 1-1:50 p.m.

• Fulfills Cultural Pluralism, Social Sciences, and/or Studying the Past distribution, as well as SAMES and Global Studies electives.
• History major: premodern history; Cultures & Ideas; Empires & Colonialism; Before Modernity

The history of international relations in the Middle East is the primary focus of this course as it examines the impact of U.S. and European foreign policy from the 19th century to the present. The course also pays special attention to the foreign policy of regional players in the Middle East. Course coverage includes the creation of the modern Middle East map, oil diplomacy, the diplomatic negotiations after World War I, and the influence of U.S. Cold War policy in the Middle East, particularly as it applied to Israel, Egypt, Turkey, and Iraq. Case studies of contemporary "hot spots" will vary; past case studies have included Israel, Iran, Iraq, Syria and an examination of nonstate actors and the phenomenon of suicide bombing.

Prof. Reza, 4 credits, TTh 1-2:20 p.m.

• Fulfills Cultural Pluralism, Social Sciences, and/or Studying the Past distribution, as well as SAMES and Global Studies electives.
• History major: modern history; Revolution/War/Politics

This course will examine the history of the Islamic World from the 15th century to the present. Attention will be given to the rise and spread of the Ottoman state, the Safavid dynasty and formation of Iran, European interactions with Islamic countries from Southeast Asia to West Africa, 19th century imperialism and reforms, and the emergence of nation states in the 20th century. Themes will include the paradigm of decline, Orientalism, fundamentalism and political Islam, the idea of the caliphate, secularism and nationalism, minorities and women, and developments in art and literature.

Prof. Reza, 4 credits, MWF 9-9:50 a.m.

• Fulfills Cultural Pluralism, Social Sciences, and/or Studying the Past distribution, as well as SAMES and Global Studies electives.
• History major: modern history; Cultures & Ideas; Empires & Colonialism; Revolution/War/Politics

Course description forthcoming.

Prof. Reza, 4 credits, MW 1-2:20 p.m.

Course description forthcoming.

Prof. Reza, 4 credits, TTh 11:30am-12:50 p.m.