Images and symbolism used by Europeans and Americans to define the Islamic Middle East. The history of the Middle East through representation--stereotypes, myths, fairy tales, novels, films, and news coverage--particularly the ramifications of these images on Western foreign policy towards the Islamic Middle East.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students: A research paper will be required of graduate students.
Athena Title
The History of Orientalism
Prerequisite
Any HIST course or ENGL 1101 or ENGL 1101E or ENGL 1101S or ENGL 1102 or ENGL 1102E or ENGL 1102S or POLS 1101 or POLS 1101E or POLS 1101H or POLS 1101S
Semester Course Offered
Offered every year.
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 Orientalism 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 Orientalism shaped diverse social and cultural attitudes toward religion and civilization, race and ethnicity, and empire and domination, 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.
By the end of this course, students will be able to generate their own research question or topic, locate suitable primary and secondary sources, and synthesize their ideas in novel ways.
By the end of this course, students will be able to initiate, manage, complete, and evaluate their independent research projects in stages and to give and receive constructive feedback through the peer review process.
Topical Outline
The European Discovery of Islam in the Middle Ages
Islam and the Renaissance
Changing Views of the Middle East in the Age of Enlightenment
Romanticism and the Golden Age of Orientalism
Knowledge and Imperialism
Orientalism and Imperial Administration
Orientalism and "Scientific" Racism
Orientalists and Arabophiles
Zionism and Orientalism
The Middle East through American Eyes
The Current Debate on Orientalism as a Discipline
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.
