Debates in Middle Eastern History

This seminar investigates the historical bases of some of the major debates which continue to dominate contemporary discussions on the Middle East. These include debates on colonialism and its legacies; problems associated with the post-colonial Middle Eastern state (the "democracy deficit": human rights; oil; political Islam); and arguments about the causes and consequences of some of the major events in Middle Eastern history (the Israel-Palestinian conflict; the Iranian revolution; the Lebanese civil war; 9/11 and the Iraq invasion; and the Arab Spring). Priority will be given to seniors, and history and MES concentrators. Previous introductory coursework in ME history is highly recommended (Hist 0244 or equivalent) for all students wishing to enroll in this course.