Economic History of the Middle East

(4 Credits)

The Middle East was the cradle of civilization and one of the most vibrant regions of the world for thousands of years. Since the Middle Ages, however, it has been surpassed by Europe in economic performance. This course explores this reversal in fortune. Was it due to culture, religion, law, geography, agrarian structure, globalization, or state policy? What attempts have been made to catch up with the West? Which have been successful? How has the history of the Near East compared to that of other parts of the world and what light do those comparisons shed on the region's experience?