The Emergence of the Modern Middle East

This course will review the emergence of the modern Middle East from the fall of the Ottoman Empire, at the end of the First World War to the present. We will discuss the Ottoman legacy in the region and the Western imperial impact on the creation of the Arab state system. The course will review the rise and retreat of Arab nationalism, the problems of internal cohesion of the Arab states, issues of religion and state, and the evolution of Islamist politics. We will also focus on the evolution of the Arab-Israeli conflict and its impact on the region and will conclude with an in depth analysis of the “Arab Spring” by placing these contemporary revolutionary events in their historical context.

Please note that there is a second part to this course which is a direct extension of this part. We highly recommend to continue to the second part after you finish this one (https://www.coursera.org/learn/modern-middle-east-2/home/info).

This course will temporarily close for enrollment from March 1st, 2022 to August 31st, 2022. During this time, the course will be closed for new enrolments. All of the course materials will continue to be able available to previously enrolled learners; however, the course staff will not provide support in the Discussion Forums during this period.

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The Tel Aviv University Team

What's inside

Syllabus

Intro

In our first lesson, we will locate the Middle East in time and space. We will get to know the 19th-century Middle East, the structure of its society and economy as well as the dynamics of its politics. We will then look into the dramatic change that took place in the last quarter of the 18th century, that is the widening gap between Europe and the Middle East as we will dwell on the impact this change had on the future of the region. We will conclude our first lesson with a discussion on the "Eastern Question," which refers to the fate of the Ottoman Empire and the balance of power in Europe.

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Explores the emergence of the modern Middle East from the fall of the Ottoman Empire, covering topics like Arab nationalism and the Arab-Israeli conflict

Taught by Professor Asher Susser, an expert in Middle Eastern history

Offers an in-depth analysis of the Arab Spring, placing these revolutionary events in their historical context

Syllabi provided covers key moments in Middle East history, from the Ottoman Empire to the rise of nationalism

This course has a break from March 1st, 2022 to August 31st, 2022

Reviews summary

Historical overview of the modern middle east

According to learners, this course provides a comprehensive and detailed look at the emergence of the modern Middle East, from the fall of the Ottoman Empire through the Arab Spring. Many highlight the instructor's deep knowledge and engaging lecture style, which makes complex history accessible. Students find the course well-structured and informative, offering valuable historical context essential for understanding current events. However, some reviews mention a challenging workload, particularly concerning extensive readings and quizzes. A few reviewers also perceive a potential bias in the material's perspective. Overall, it is seen as a strong foundation, though taking the recommended Part II is essential for a complete picture.

Designed as the first half of a two-part course.

"This course is a direct extension of part one, highly recommend continuing."

"It definitely lays the groundwork, but feels incomplete without Part II."

"You need to take the second part to get the full picture."

"Understand that this is only the first half of the material."

Provides solid overview from WWI to Arab Spring.

"Gives a great overview of the history of the modern Middle East."

"The syllabus covers key events and themes thoroughly."

"I appreciated the depth of coverage on the Ottoman legacy and state creation."

"It provides excellent historical context for current events in the region."

Instructor delivers knowledgeable and clear lectures.

"Professor makes complex history accessible and fascinating."

"The lectures by the professor are excellent, very knowledgeable and engaging."

"His lectures were clear and easy to follow, making the material understandable."

"I found the professor engaging and his expertise evident throughout."

Some concerns about the material's neutrality.

"Felt there was a noticeable bias in how certain conflicts were presented."

"I wish there was more balance in perspectives discussed."

"The narrative seemed to lean one way on sensitive topics."

"Some historical interpretations felt less than neutral to me."

Significant reading and quiz work required.

"The readings were quite extensive and time-consuming."

"Found the quizzes challenging and required careful review of lectures/readings."

"You need to dedicate a good amount of time to keep up with the material."

"The workload was heavier than expected for an introductory course."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Emergence of the Modern Middle East - Part I with these activities:

Read and Review 'The Great Divergence: China, Europe, and the Making of the Modern World Economy'

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This book provides a comparative analysis of the economic trajectories of China and Europe, enhancing your understanding of the broader historical context of the Middle East's transformation.

View The Great Divergence: China, Europe, and the... on Amazon

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Read the book and take notes on the key arguments and evidence presented.
Analyze the book's relevance to the course content, particularly concerning the impact of Western ideas and technology on the Middle East.

Connect with Experts in Middle Eastern History

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Expand your knowledge and gain valuable insights by connecting with experts in Middle Eastern history, enriching your understanding of the region's complexities.

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Identify potential mentors through professional organizations, conferences, or online platforms.
Reach out to selected mentors, expressing your interest in their expertise and seeking guidance.

Gather Resources on the Arab-Israeli Conflict

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Enhance your understanding of the Arab-Israeli conflict by compiling a collection of relevant articles, videos, and other resources, fostering a deeper engagement with the course material.

Browse courses on Arab-Israeli Conflict

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Conduct research to identify credible sources on the Arab-Israeli conflict.
Organize the resources into a coherent collection, categorizing them by topic or perspective.
Share the compilation with classmates or other interested individuals to facilitate discussion and exchange of ideas.

One other activity

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Lead a Study Group on the Rise of Arab Nationalism

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Solidify your understanding of Arab nationalism by leading a study group, fostering deeper engagement with the material and enhancing your communication and leadership skills.

Browse courses on Arab Nationalism

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Prepare a lesson plan or discussion outline on the rise of Arab nationalism.
Facilitate group discussions, encouraging active participation and critical thinking.
Provide constructive feedback and guidance to group members to enhance their understanding.

Career center

Learners who complete The Emergence of the Modern Middle East - Part I will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Historian

A Historian researches, analyzes, interprets, and writes about the past by studying historical documents and sources. This course may be useful in providing a foundation in the history of the Middle East, which can be valuable for understanding the region's current events and political landscape.

See salaries and explore the career path for Historian

Political Scientist

A Political Scientist studies political systems, governments, and public policies. This course may be useful in providing a foundation in the political history of the Middle East, which can be valuable for understanding the region's current political landscape.

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Foreign Service Officer

A Foreign Service Officer represents the United States abroad and works to promote American interests. This course may be useful in providing a foundation in the history and politics of the Middle East, which can be valuable for understanding the region and developing effective policies.

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Journalist

A Journalist investigates, gathers, analyzes, and reports on news and current events. This course may be useful in providing a foundation in the history and politics of the Middle East, which can be valuable for understanding the region and reporting on its current events.

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Lawyer

A Lawyer advises and represents clients in legal matters. This course may be useful in providing a foundation in the history and politics of the Middle East, which can be valuable for understanding the legal systems and legal issues in the region.

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Teacher

A Teacher instructs students in a variety of academic subjects. This course may be useful in providing a foundation in the history and politics of the Middle East, which can be valuable for teaching students about the region and its current events.

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Museum curator

A Museum Curator manages and preserves museum collections. This course may be useful in providing a foundation in the history and culture of the Middle East, which can be valuable for understanding and interpreting the museum's collection.

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Librarian

A Librarian organizes, catalogs, and manages library collections. This course may be useful in providing a foundation in the history and culture of the Middle East, which can be valuable for understanding and organizing the library's collection on the region.

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Archivist

An Archivist collects, preserves, and makes accessible historical documents and records. This course may be useful in providing a foundation in the history and culture of the Middle East, which can be valuable for understanding and organizing the archives' collection on the region.

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Anthropologist

An Anthropologist studies the behavior, origin, and development of humans. This course may be useful in providing a foundation in the history and culture of the Middle East, which can be valuable for understanding the region's people and their way of life.

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Sociologist

A Sociologist studies human society and social behavior. This course may be useful in providing a foundation in the history and culture of the Middle East, which can be valuable for understanding the region's social structure and social issues.

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Economist

An Economist studies the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. This course may be useful in providing a foundation in the history and politics of the Middle East, which can be valuable for understanding the region's economic development and economic issues.

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Political Risk Analyst

A Political Risk Analyst assesses and mitigates political risks for businesses and organizations. This course may be useful in providing a foundation in the history and politics of the Middle East, which can be valuable for understanding the region's political landscape and assessing political risks.

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Nonprofit Manager

A Nonprofit Manager plans, organizes, and directs the activities of a nonprofit organization. This course may be useful in providing a foundation in the history and politics of the Middle East, which can be valuable for understanding the region's social issues and developing effective programs to address them.

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Development Officer

A Development Officer raises funds and manages donor relations for a nonprofit organization. This course may be useful in providing a foundation in the history and politics of the Middle East, which can be valuable for understanding the region's social issues and developing effective fundraising strategies.

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