Since 9/11 many people have lamented the lack of knowledge
students and other people have about the outside world, especially the Middle
East, the Arab and Muslim cultures. In ancient times, the present Middle East
was the “cradle of civilization” and the birthplace of Judaism, Christianity
and Islam. What is the Arab World today? It is an unknown and misunderstood
world in turmoil.
This course will offer an introduction to and an overview of
the history, culture, politics and current events of the Arab world in the
Middle East and Africa. The students will also be introduced to the
Arab-American community and its contribution to culture and politics in the
United States. One integral part of the class is a weekly discussion of current
events in the Arab World, i.e. the situation in Iraq, Sudan, Tunisia, Yemen, US
policy toward the Middle East, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the US war
on terrorism.
Required Books:
- Al Aswany, Alaa. The Yacoubian Building. New York, London, ... Harper. 2002
- Margaret K. Nydell. Understanding Arabs. A Guide for Modern Times. Boston: Intercultural Press. 4th Edition 2006
- Salih, Tayeb. The Doum Tree of Wad Hamid. On Blackboard under Course Documents
- Zepp, Ira. A Muslim Primer. 2nd edition. Fayettevile: University of Arkansas Press, 2000
- Films and other readings can be found on Blackboard under Course Documents or are on reserve at the library.
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