ARAB 230 Contemporary Issues in the Middle East

This course provides an overview of the complex contemporary Middle East and examines the interplay of various factors that help us to better understand and critically analyze current issues in the Middle East. Besides having an opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of the contemporary Middle Eastern issues, learners will have the opportunity to examine, in detail, the major events and trends that impact the current political, social, cultural, and economic foundations of the region. Taught in English, this course does not fulfill the requirement for a world language sequence.

Credits

3

Hours Weekly

3

Course Objectives

1. Develop an understanding of the various political, social, and religious movements
   shaping the contemporary Middle East.
2. Examine, in detail, the major events and historical trends that impact the Middle Eastern
   conflicts today.
3. Recognize the socio-economic and geo-political factors and current internal issues
   influencing relationships between various Middle Eastern countries.
4. Examine and evaluate resources to conduct informed research on the Middle East.
5. Acquire ability to critically analyze Middle Eastern events.
6. Examine the character and power of political leaders and form of governance in the
   region
7. Explore contemporary issues in the Middle East through existing and emerging forms of
   media.
8. Gain a fuller comprehension of human rights and gender equity issues in the Middle East.

Course Objectives

1. Develop an understanding of the various political, social, and religious movements
   shaping the contemporary Middle East.
2. Examine, in detail, the major events and historical trends that impact the Middle Eastern
   conflicts today.
3. Recognize the socio-economic and geo-political factors and current internal issues
   influencing relationships between various Middle Eastern countries.
4. Examine and evaluate resources to conduct informed research on the Middle East.
5. Acquire ability to critically analyze Middle Eastern events.
6. Examine the character and power of political leaders and form of governance in the
   region
7. Explore contemporary issues in the Middle East through existing and emerging forms of
   media.
8. Gain a fuller comprehension of human rights and gender equity issues in the Middle East.