DGS 114 - The Middle East

5 Credits

Introduces the geography, history, politics and cultures of North Africa and Southwest Asia. We will use primary source documents, ethnographies, media presentations, video documentaries and fictional works in order to gain a comprehensive perspective on life in the Middle East region.

Course Note Previously CGG 165 and DGS 165.
Fees

Quarters Typically Offered

Designed to Serve General student population.
Active Date 2014-11-07

Grading System Decimal Grade
Class Limit 38
Contact Hours: Lecture 55 Lab 0 Worksite 0 Clinical 0 Other 0
Total Contact Hours 55
Degree Distributions:
AA

Diversity & Globalism
Social Science Area I

Course Outline
Media stereotypes– Physical and political geography– Popular culture and everyday life– Origins and impact of Islam– Women and gender relations– Modernization– Secular vs. religious influences– Dictatorship and struggles for democracy– The Palestinian-Israeli struggle– Petroleum politics– Roles of the US and Europe– Terrorism.

Student Learning Outcomes
Analyze the significant issues at stake in the Palestinian-Israeli struggle.

Understand the powerful influence of the US and Europe historically and today.

Critically evaluate gender roles and how family life is structured.

Define and explain the presence of theocratic, secular, democratic and dictatorial political systems in the region.

Develop geographical literacy about the Middle East.

Identify and interpret media stereotypes about the Middle East region and people.

Understand the historical origins and cultural impact of Islam in the region.

Understand the importance of petroleum in the region.