How has the debate on U.S. national security during the War on Terror been framed? How might our perceptions of Arabs and Islam limit international security and cooperation? What impact do U.S.-Middle East relations have on Arab and Muslim American communities? “Why Do They Hate Us?: Perspectives on 9/11” explores key debates in the War on Terror, including over the causes of terrorism, the clash of civilizations thesis, civil liberties vs. national security, militarism and patriotism, and immigrant rights and racial profiling. The course seeks a comprehensive view of how scholars, politicians, citizens and non-citizens have understood and experienced 9/11 and its aftermath. We will explore materials such as scholarly writings, media representations, cultural and artistic work, government policies and laws. This course takes an interdisciplinary approach that brings together readings from cultural studies, media studies, political science, postcolonial studies, U.S. race and ethnic studies, and gender studies, revealing the interplay between debates at home and policies abroad. It is strongly recommended, but not required to have taken at least one course in American Culture, Women’s Studies, or Middle East Studies. Course requirements include posting a weekly discussion question, two position papers, and a final group project.