Type of Credit: Elective
Credit(s)
Number of Students
This course provides an in-depth exploration of the history of the Middle East, tracing its development from the pre-Islamic era to the present day. Beginning with the time of the Prophet Muhammad and his call to prophethood in 610 AD, we will examine the origins of Arab society, the rise of Islam, and the transformative role it played in shaping the region and beyond.
The course will focus on key historical periods, including the Arab pre-Islamic era, the Rashidun, Umayyad, and Abbasid Caliphates, as well as the Ottoman Caliphate. It will analyze the cultural, political, and social structures of these empires and their contributions to the broader Islamic and global civilizations.
Moving into the modern era, we will study the impact of colonial powers on the Arab world, the establishment of Israel, the Arab-Israeli conflict, and the evolving political, social, and economic challenges facing the region today. The course will conclude with a discussion of contemporary Arab states, using Kuwait as a case study to explore the dynamics of a modern Arab nation in a globalized world.
Through the use of primary and secondary sources, students will gain a nuanced understanding of the historical, cultural, and political developments of the Middle East. They will also engage with the interplay between historical contexts and modern issues, such as the Arab Spring and ongoing regional conflicts.
This course aims to provide students with a comprehensive overview of the Middle East’s history and its enduring influence on contemporary global affairs.
*The curriculum may change depending on the pace of the lectures and the depth of the students’ understanding, with the addition of important topics from outside the prescribed syllabus. These additions help students gain a better understanding of the world and Middle Eastern countries.
能力項目說明
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to identify and analyze major individuals, events, and themes that have shaped the history of Middle East, from pre-Islamic Arabia to the modern era. They will develop a comprehensive understanding of the historical, cultural, and political developments within the Rashidun, Umayyad, Abbasid, and Ottoman Caliphates, as well as their contributions to global civilization. Additionally, students will understand the processes of cause and effect in history, particularly how historical contexts have influenced the development of modern Arab states and contemporary issues. The course will also enable students to critically examine the impact of colonialism, the establishment of Israel, the Arab-Israeli conflict, and the Arab Spring on the modern Middle East.
| 教學週次Course Week | 彈性補充教學週次Flexible Supplemental Instruction Week | 彈性補充教學類別Flexible Supplemental Instruction Type |
|---|---|---|
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Week |
Topic |
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Week 1
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Introduction - We will clarify key terms such as the Muslim world, Arab world, Middle East, Islamophobia, and the concept of the clash of civilizations. |
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| Week 2 |
We will explore the life of Arabs before Islam, their neighboring regions, ancient religions including Judaism and Christianity, and the significance of Mecca as a holy city. |
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| Week 3 |
This week focuses on the life of Prophet Muhammad, his mission, and the key principles of Islam, including the Qur’an, , and morality. |
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| Week 4 |
The establishment of the first Islamic state in Medina. |
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| Week 5 |
( The End of the Prophethood) The death of the Prophet Muhammad and the rule of his successors-(The Rightly Guided Caliphs-Abu Bakr-‘Umar-‘Uthman-‘Ali) |
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| Week 6 |
(Conflict of Succession) The emergence of Islamic sects and sects and the nature of differences between them |
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| Week 7 |
This week covers the Umayyad Caliphate, its rule from Damascus, Islamic expansion into new regions, administrative structures, and intellectual achievements. |
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| Week 8 |
MID-TERM EXAM |
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| Week 9 |
We will discuss the Abbasid Caliphate, its rule from Baghdad, interaction with the West, and the fall of Baghdad to the Mongols in 1258. |
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| Week 10 |
The rise of the Ottoman Empire and the influence of Western colonial powers on the Middle East will be the primary focus. |
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Week 11
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This week examines the establishment of modern Turkey after World War I, the fall of the Ottoman Empire, and the rise of the Republic of Turkey under Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, along with developments in modern Iran. |
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| Week 12 |
This week addresses the establishment of Israel and the ongoing Arab-Israeli conflict. |
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| Week 13 |
We will analyze the shifting dynamics in the modern Middle East, including the Arab Spring of 2011 and its consequences. |
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| Week 14 |
The course concludes with a case study on Kuwait, exploring its path toward modernization and democracy. |
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| Week 15 |
FINAL EXAM |
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| Week 16 |
FINAL PRESENTATION |
The date for Final Presentation will be arranged later during the course. (the date should be between 16 June to 20 June) |
Requirements:
I will point out the major sites that you should know during the lecture by writing the main points with me.
Attendance. Everyone must attend lectures and Attendance will be taken regularly
Evaluation:
Midterm. The Midterm exam is tentatively scheduled for (15 April ), the exam will cover the details will be announced later.
Final Exam. The final exam will cover the entire course material and will be multiple choice questions. 17 June: according to NCCU Calendar
Grading:
10 % Presentation paper: is a type of written assignment where a student chooses a topic from my list, picks a date, and presents it in class for approximately 20 minutes. The final date to submit the paper is …..
35 % Midterm: Multichoice test
50 % Final: Multichoice test
5 %Participation+ Attendee.
“Please ensure that your research paper does not exceed 10 pages for undergraduate Students, with a word count of approximately 2000 words. It’s important that you rely on original sources and references for your work. Be cautious when using the internet as a source, as it is essential to maintain the quality of your research.” For the graduate students, they need to check with me first about their paper.
“List of Suggested Topics for Presentations”
Women in Islamic Society ; such as The Evolution of Women’s Rights in the Modern Islamic World, Women’s Rights in Islamic Law, The Veil (Hijab) in Islamic Culture,
Islamic Art and Calligraphy: Symbolism and Styles
Islamic Science and Medicine: Contributions to World Knowledge
The Development of Islamic Law (Sharia)
Sufism: Mysticism and Spirituality in Islam
Islamic Contributions to Mathematics and Astronomy
The Crusades: Muslim and Christian Perspectives
The Reconquista and the Decline of Muslim Rule in Spain
Islamic Influence on European Renaissance
The Ottoman Empire: Rise, Expansion, and Legacy
Islamic Philosophy: Key Thinkers and Their Ideas
The Role of Islamic Civilization in Preserving Ancient Greek Knowledge
The Development of Arabic Language and Literature
The Concept of Jihad in Islam: Historical and Modern Interpretations
The Role of Islamic Scholars in the Translation Movement
The Impact of the Mongol Invasions on Islamic Civilization
Muslim Contributions to Music and Poetry
The Influence of Persian Culture on Islamic Civilization
Islam in Africa
Islam in Asia
Muslim Minorities ….
The Role of Media in Shaping the Image of Islam
The Influence of Islam in Contemporary Middle Eastern Politics
Islamophobia: Causes, Consequences, and Responses
Islamic Architecture in the Modern World
The Spread of Islam in Southeast Asia: Historical Overview
The Muslims in China: History and Contemporary Issues
Islam in the Philippines: The Moro People and Their Struggles
he Role of Islam in the Politics of Afghanistan
Islam and Buddhism: Historical Interactions in Asia
Islamic Practices and Festivals in Asia
Islam in Thailand: The Southern Muslim Population
The Silk Road and the Spread of Islam in China
islam in Taiwan: A Historical Overview
students prefer more contemporary topics, here are some suggestions:
The Arab Spring and its Impact on Middle Eastern Politics: An analysis of the causes, events, and aftermath of the Arab Spring, and its effects on regional stability and governance.
The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: A study of the origins, key events, and current state of the conflict, with a focus on international diplomacy and peace efforts.
The Iranian Revolution of 1979: The causes, events, and consequences of the Iranian Revolution, and its impact on regional and global politics.
The Role of Women in Contemporary Middle Eastern Societies: Exploring the changing roles, rights, and challenges faced by women in different Middle Eastern countries.
Islamic Movements and Political Islam: An examination of the rise of political Islam, key movements, and their influence on Middle Eastern politics and societies.
The Gulf Wars and U.S. Involvement in the Middle East: A historical overview of the Gulf Wars, with an emphasis on U.S. military and political involvement in the region
Modernization and Economic Development in the Gulf States: A look at how countries like the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia have modernized and developed economically in recent decades.
Taiwan’s Diplomatic Relations with Middle Eastern Countries: An exploration of Taiwan’s diplomatic and trade relations with Middle Eastern countries, considering the challenges and opportunities.
China’s Growing Influence in the Middle East: Exploring how China’s Belt and Road Initiative and other economic and political engagements are reshaping relationships in the Middle East, and how this impacts Taiwan’s interests. ISIS, "the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria"
Nationalism movement in the Middle East
The Iranian Nuclear Program: History, Diplomacy, and Regional Security: An in-depth analysis of the history of Iran’s nuclear program, the international negotiations surrounding it, and its implications for regional and global security
The Creation of Modern Middle Eastern Borders: A discussion on how the borders of modern Middle Eastern countries were drawn, particularly focusing on the Sykes-Picot Agreement and its impact.
The Discovery of Oil in the Middle East: An exploration of how the discovery of oil changed the economies and politics of Middle Eastern countries, especially in the Gulf region.
Pan-Arabism and its Influence on Middle Eastern Politics: A study of the Pan-Arab movement, its key leaders like Gamal Abdel Nasser, and how the ideology shaped political alliances and conflicts in the region.
The Role of the United States in Middle Eastern Affairs: An examination of U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, including key events like the Camp David Accords, the Gulf Wars, and the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The Suez Crisis of 1956: A critical analysis of the Suez Crisis, its causes, the involvement of international powers, and its significance in the decolonization of the Middle East.
The Impact of Oil on Middle Eastern Economies: An exploration of how oil discoveries transformed the economies of Middle Eastern countries, particularly in the Gulf, and its effects on global politics and the environment.
The Syrian Civil War: Origins and Global Impact: A detailed examination of the Syrian Civil War, its origins, key players, and the humanitarian and geopolitical consequences for the Middle East and beyond.
The Role of Religion in Shaping Middle Eastern Societies: A study of how religion, particularly Islam, has influenced social norms, laws, and politics in various Middle Eastern countries, including comparisons with minority religions.
The Role of Women in Modern Middle Eastern Politics: An exploration of the evolving role of women in Middle Eastern politics, focusing on key figures, movements, and the ongoing struggle for gender equality.
The Rise and Fall of Saddam Hussein: A study of Saddam Hussein’s rise to power, his rule over Iraq, and the eventual fall of his regime in 2003, including the impact on Iraq and the broader Middle East.
The 1991 Gulf War and its Aftermath in Iraq and Kuwait: An examination of the causes and consequences of the 1991 Gulf War, including the impact on both Kuwait and Iraq’s political, economic, and social structures.
Readings lists:
The main book : A Concise History of the Middle East by Aryhur Goldschmidt, 2024.
Extra Reading Books
Karen Armstrong, Islam; A Short History , Charonicles Book. New York.2002.
F. Robinson (ed.),Cambridge Illustrated History of Islamic World
M. Ruthven et al, Historical Atlas of Islam
R.Stephen Humphrey, Islamic History