History    credits: 3

The Middle East always was, and continues to be, an area of tremendous strategic, political and cultural importance. In this course we will investigate the historical roots of present-day events: the Islamic empire, the Ottoman and European domination, the establishment of a Jewish state, the discovery of oil, etc. We will also address many of the ethnic, cultural, religious, and political questions of the contemporary Middle East. Special emphasis will be put on understanding the people and cultures of the region, the practice of Islam, the Middle East peace process, and the significance of the region in world affairs. This sophomore level honors course fulfills ENC’s intercultural literacy requirement and requires permission of the instructor. Prerequisite/Co-requisite: CP195, offered fall.