HIST 387: Topics in Global History

HIST 387-001: Modern Middle East
(Spring 2026)

07:20 PM to 10:00 PM M

Enterprise Hall 173

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Section Information for Spring 2026

Where is the Middle East, how did it come about, and why does it continue to stay at the center stage of world politics? In quest to explore such questions, this course treats the Modern Middle East in the twentieth century by focusing on Iran, Turkey, Egypt, the Israel-Palestine conflict, and the Arab Spring. Major themes include colonialism, state formation, the Cold War, modernity, popular culture, religion, ideological currents, and political economy. By examining the intricate historical processes and experiences of Middle Eastern peoples, the course will seek answers to such widely-debated questions as political Islam, sectarianism, nationalism, development, identity, and gender issues. The course will feature historical movies for discussion and debate as well as short representative documents on critical events, issues and turning points from the history of the region.

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Course Information from the University Catalog

Credits: 3-6

Study of historical topics or periods of special interest in global, Latin American, African, Asian, or Middle Eastern history. Notes: Topics announced in advance. May be repeated for credit when topic is different. Offered by History & Art History. May be repeated within the term.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Global Understanding
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies, Non-Western Culture
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

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