GOVT131 CM - Political History of the Middle East 1973-present

This course is a sequel to Political History of the Middle East I and covers the major political events in the region following the Arab-Israeli October war in 1973 until the eve of the 2011 popular uprisings known as the Arab Spring. This includes several major turning points in the history of the Middle East such as the Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990), the Islamic Revolution and rise of Khomeini in Iran (1979), the Iran-Iraq war (1980-1988), the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait and subsequent Persian Gulf War (1990-1991), as well as the American invasion of Iraq known as the second Gulf War (2003).This course examines the meaning of heroism, villainy, and clownishness as they occur in western politics, literature, plays, and film. Drawing on materials in all media, including biography, history, fiction, poetry, plays, and cinema, the course studies specific individuals and works of art, ancient and modern. Among the individuals and works studied are: Churchill, Nero, Nixon, Faust; the movies Shane, and From Here to Eternity; the novel Anna Karenina; and the play Medea.

Prerequisite: GOVT 020 CM

Offered: Every year

Credit: 1

Course Number: GOVT131 CM