Modern Middle East: An Introduction

The course is designed for undergraduates seeking to discover what is happening in the Middle East today. Right now that region is at the center of American foreign policy initiatives. Why are we there? How were the nations of Iran, Iraq, Israel, and Syria created? Those questions as well as a thorough examination of terrorism and the ongoing civil war in modern Islam will be reviewed.  The course will begin discussing the waning days of the Ottoman Empire and World War I and continue through the current crisis in Iraq and the standoff with Iran. The class will involve a series of lectures and discussions as well as the use of video presentations in order to enhance the learning experience.  Assignments will be of the take-home variety. For further information feel free to contact Dr. Lovett. Hyperlinks are available for those interested in the texts and a bibliography for the Modern Middle East.