The modern Middle East has been one of the more dynamic and geo-politically crucial areas of the world. This exciting course covers the past two centuries and right up to the present. It treats not just high politics but the compelling stories of the people at all levels of society--including women, peasant farmers and workers--who made this history. It deals with Ottoman reformist attempts to meet the European challenge, the age of British and French colonialism, the rise of nationalism, development strategies of socialism and capitalism, the impact of Israeli and Palestinian nationalism, the petroleum factor, the emergence of Muslim fundamentalism, the Islamic Revolution in Iran, Saddam Hussein's Iraq, and the US war on terror. Grading is based upon class attendance (in person, or, where the class is remote, by Zoom) at both lecture and section (required), a midterm, and a final. Persistent non-attendance will result in failure.

Course Requirements:

The grading will be based on section performance and on midterm and final essay exams.

Class Format:

Remote