HIST 379 History of the Middle East

This course introduces students to the history of the Middle East. It provides an opportunity to move beyond the headlines that appear in the news media almost every day. The course surveys Arab history in the Middle East and North Africa focusing particularly on the rise of Islam, subsequent Islamic kingdoms and empires, and the interaction of the Islamic world with the West. Particular attention will also be paid to understanding the religion of Islam as well as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Meets General Education Non-Western Studies requirement.