Discipline: History Degree Credit  [X]
Non Credit  [ ]
Nondegree Credit  [ ]
Comm Service  [ ]
 

Riverside Community College District
Integrated Course Outline of Record

History 23


COURSE DESCRIPTION
23 History of the Middle East Units: 3.00
 
Prerequisite(s): None.

Advisory: Qualifying reading placement level recommended
The basic religious, social and political development of the Middle East since A.D. 622, with emphasis on the vital issues: European interests in the area, cultural and political impact of the West, Arab nationalism, Zionism, social structures, ethnic and religious minorities, and cultural and intellectual trends. 54 hours lecture.
 
SHORT DESCRIPTION FOR CLASS SCHEDULE
The basic religious, social, political development of the Middle East since A.D. 622.
 
ADVISORY ENTRY SKILLS
None.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
 Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:

Acquaint the student with the ancient history of the area.

Present current issues in an historical context.

Understand major power interests in the area and the Middle East’s contribution to the rise of Arab political nationalism, the creation of the state of Israel, and its repercussion throughout the Arab world, the status of the ethnic and religious minorities, and the impact of Arab oil power on the world politics.

Further develop the student’s critical thinking ability by requiring the analysis and evaluation of data, the anticipation of alternative explanations, and the forming of conclusions from the data presented.
 
COURSE CONTENT
  TOPICS
 
  1. The Middle East, 622-1914
    1. Introduction
    2. Islam
      1. Past and present
    3. Rise and fall of the Ottomans
    4. The Safavi Empire in Persia
    5. Europe in the Middle East during 19th century
    6. Cultural and political impact of the west
  2. Contemporary Middle East
    1. World War I and aftermath
    2. The rise of the Arab political nationalism
    3. Modern  Egypt
      1. Military coup
    4. Palestine
      1. Zionism and the State of Israel
      2. Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
    5. Lebanon
      1. Religious diversity vs. Arab unity
    6. Syria and Iraq
      1. Independence, political parties, social changes
    7. Turkey and Iran
      1. Religious and social problems
    8. Arabian Peninsula
      1. Discovery of the oil
 
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
 Methods of instruction used to achieve student learning outcomes may include, but are not limited to:

  • Lectures which both disseminate information and pose problems.
  • Discussions which emphasize the ability to reason and think critically.
  • Assigned reading outside of class.
  • Discussion of current event related to course content. 
  • May require assigned outside writing which involves independent research in addition to the required readings.
 
METHODS OF EVALUATION
 Students will be evaluated for progress in and/or mastery of learning outcomes by methods of evaluation which may include, but are not limited to:

  • Grades are based on demonstrated proficiency in subject matter.
  • Examinations (at least 4).
  • Examinations must include written assignments involving critical analysis as well as exposition
  • Assigned outside writing which involves independent research in addition to the required readings.
ASSIGNMENTS

Required Reading Assignments


Required Writing Assignments


Other Outside-of-Class Assignments
 
COURSE MATERIALS
 All materials used in this course will be periodically reviewed to ensure that they are appropriate for college level instruction. Possible texts include:

  • Possible texts include:

    1. Goldschmidt, Arthur, A Concise History of the Middle East, Westview.
    2. Lewis, Bernard, The Middle East and the West, Indian University
    3. Mansfield, Peter, The Arabs, Penguin Book Inc.
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