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INTRODUCTION TO THE MODERN MIDDLE EAST

HISTORY 139
Course Description

Traces the formation of the states and societies that compose the contemporary Middle East. How have global phenomena, including two world wars, the Cold War, women's movements, and modern science, technology, and fossil fuels, affected the politics, culture, and daily lives of Middle Eastern people? What is Islamism, and how should we explain its influence? Why has the United States had such a troubled relationship with this part of the world? Balances a generally thematic approach with several weeks of country-specific studies, including Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Syria, and Israel and the Palestinian territories.

Prerequisties

None

Satisfies

This course does not satisfy any prerequisites.

Credits

3 to 4

Offered

Fall, Spring, Summer

Grade Point Average
3.11

8.5% from Historical

Completion Rate
84.52%

1.56% from Historical

A Rate
47.62%

6.62% from Historical

Class Size
84

28.1% from Historical

2025 Fall Grade Distribution

Instructors (2025 Fall)

Sorted by ratings from Rate My Professors

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