The history of modern Iraq, from the late Ottoman Empire to the
rise of ISIS. The political, social, and cultural history of Iraq.
Athena Title
The History of Modern Iraq
Pre or Corequisite
Any course in POLS or INTL or HIST
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be able to arrive at conclusions about the history of modern Iraq by gathering and weighing evidence, logical argument, and listening to counter argument.
By the end of this course, students will be able to write stylistically appropriate papers and essays. Students will be able to analyze ideas and evidence, organize their thoughts, and revise and edit their finished essays.
By the end of this course, students will be able to identify how the history of modern Iraq shaped diverse social and cultural attitudes toward religion, ethnicity, and identity, encouraging them to understand diverse worldviews and experiences.
By the end of this course, students will be able to apply appropriate methodological approaches to their analysis of primary sources and to organize their evidence to show historical continuities and discontinuities.
Topical Outline
Week 1: Introduction to Iraqi History
Week 2: Iraqi Society and Culture in the Late Ottoman Era, 1831-1914
Week 3: World War I, British Occupation, and Iraqi Revolution, 1914-1920
Week 4: Politics and Society During the British Mandate in Iraq, 1920-1932
Week 5: Arab Nationalism, Socialism, and Military Coups, 1932-1941
Week 6: Nationalism, Nazism, and World War II in Iraq, 1941-1945
Week 7: Liberalism, Anti-Semitism, and Popular Protest, 1945-1952
Week 8: Communism, Baathism, and National Front Politics, 1952-1958
Week 9: July 14 Revolution and the Struggle for Cultural Hegemony, 1958-1963
Week 10: Political Repression and the Sixties Generation in Iraq, 1963-1968
Week 11: Economic Development and the Progressive National Front, 1968-1979
Week 12: The Rise of Saddam Hussein and the Iran-Iraq War, 1979-1988
Week 13: The Gulf War and Iraqi Intifada, 1988-1991
Week 14: International Sanctions and Islamization of Baathism, 1991-2003
Week 15: American Occupation, Democracy, and Civil War, 2003-2010
Week 16: The Rise of ISIS and the New Protest Movement, 2010-2020
Institutional Competencies
Analytical Thinking
The ability to reason, interpret, analyze, and solve problems from a wide array of authentic contexts.
Communication
The ability to effectively develop, express, and exchange ideas in written, oral, interpersonal, or visual form.
Critical Thinking
The ability to pursue and comprehensively evaluate information before accepting or establishing a conclusion, decision, or action.
