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The Emergence of the Modern Middle East - Part I

Approx. 7 hours to complete

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Course Summary

Explore the history and current events shaping the modern Middle East in this course, with a focus on lesser-known perspectives and unorthodox approaches.

Key Learning Points

Learn about the diversity of cultures, religions, and political systems in the Middle East.
Examine the impact of colonialism, nationalism, and globalization on the region.
Consider the role of gender, race, and class in shaping Middle Eastern societies.
Explore the complexity of conflicts and alliances among Middle Eastern countries and with the West.
Engage with debates and controversies surrounding Middle Eastern issues and policies.

Learning Outcomes

Develop a nuanced understanding of the Middle East beyond stereotypes and myths.
Analyze complex issues and perspectives using critical thinking and research skills.
Communicate effectively and respectfully with people from diverse Middle Eastern cultures and backgrounds.

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

Basic knowledge of world history and geography.
Familiarity with academic reading and writing.
Open-mindedness and curiosity about different cultures and perspectives.

Course Difficulty Level

Intermediate

Course Format

Self-paced online learning
Video lectures
Discussion forums
Reading assignments
Writing exercises

Similar Courses

Introduction to the Modern Middle East
Middle East Studies: The Basics
The Arab-Israeli Conflict

Related Education Paths

Notable People in This Field

Mehdi Hasan
Laila Lalami
Marwan Bishara

Related Books

Description

This course will review the emergence of the modern Middle East from the fall of the Ottoman Empire, at the end of the First World War to the present. We will discuss the Ottoman legacy in the region and the Western imperial impact on the creation of the Arab state system. The course will review the rise and retreat of Arab nationalism, the problems of internal cohesion of the Arab states, issues of religion and state, and the evolution of Islamist politics. We will also focus on the evolution of the Arab-Israeli conflict and its impact on the region and will conclude with an in depth analysis of the “Arab Spring” by placing these contemporary revolutionary events in their historical context.

Outline

Intro
1.0 This course is about....
1.1.1 What and Where is the Middle East? (part 1)
1.1.2 What and Where is the Middle East? (part 2)
1.2 What is the Modern Era?
1.3.1 The Middle East in the 19th Century: The Structure of Society
1.3.2 The Middle East in the 19th Century: The Economy
1.3.3 The Middle East in the 19th Century: The Politics
1.4 The Changing Balance of Power with Europe
1.5 The "Eastern Question"
About us
Week 1

Modernity, Tradition and the Age of Reform
II. Modernity, Tradition and the Age of Reform
2.1 The Ottoman Empire
2.1.1.1 Traditional World View and Opposition to Reform (part 1)
2.1.1.2 Traditional World View and Opposition to Reform (part 2)
2.1.2.1 The Tanzimat (part 1)
2.1.2.2 The Tanzimat (part 2)
2.2.1 Muhammad Ali in Egypt (part 1)
2.2.2 Muhammad Ali in Egypt (part 2)
2.3.1 Islamic Reform or Modernism (part 1)
2.3.2 Islamic Reform or Modernism (part 2)
2.3.3 Islamic Reform or Modernism (part 3)
Week 2
Quiz 1

The Rise of Nationalism; The Demise of Empire
III. The Rise of Nationalism; The Demise of Empire
3.1 Turkish Nationalism
3.2 Arab Nationalism
3.3.1 Egyptian Nationalism (part 1)
3.3.2 Egyptian Nationalism (part 2)
3.4.1 World War One and the Demise of Empire (part 1)
3.4.2 World War One and the Demise of Empire (part 2)
3.4.3 World War One and the Demise of Empire (part 3)
3.4.4 World War One and the Demise of Empire (part 4)
Week 3

The Creation of the Middle East State System
IV. The Creation of the Middle East State System
4.1 Egypt
4.2 The Fertile Crescent
4.3.1 The French Mandates: The Establishment of Greater Lebanon
4.3.2 The French Mandates: The Establishment of Syria
4.4 The British Mandates
4.4.1 The British Mandates: The Palestine Question
4.4.2 The British Mandates: Trans-Jordan
4.4.3.1 The British Mandates: The Kingdom of Iraq - Part 1
4.4.3.2 The British Mandates: The Kingdom of Iraq - Part 2
4.5 The Saudis and the Hashemites in the Arabian Peninsula
4.6.1.1 The Non-Arab States: The Republic of Turkey (part 1)
4.6.1.2 The Non-Arab States: The Republic of Turkey (part 2)
4.6.2.1 The Non-Arab States: Iran (part 1)
4.6.2.2 The Non-Arab States: Iran (part 2)
Week 4
What's next?
Final Exam

Summary of User Reviews

Read reviews for Modern Middle East 1 course on Coursera. Users highly recommend this course for its comprehensive coverage of the history and culture of the Middle East. They appreciate the engaging lectures, insightful discussions, and detailed readings provided by the instructor.

Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course

Comprehensive coverage of history and culture of Middle East

Pros from User Reviews

Engaging lectures
Insightful discussions
Detailed readings
In-depth analysis of topics
Access to high-quality resources

Cons from User Reviews

Heavy workload
Challenging assignments
Limited interaction with instructor
Some technical difficulties with platform
Not suitable for beginners

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