Modern Middle East History and Culture
Course code
HIL6590.HT
old course code
Course title in Estonian
Lähis-Ida uuem ajalugu ja kultuur
Course title in English
Modern Middle East History and Culture
ECTS credits
6.0
Assessment form
Examination
lecturer of 2025/2026 Spring semester
Not opened for teaching. Click the study programme link below to see the nominal division schedule.
lecturer of 2026/2027 Autumn semester
Not opened for teaching. Click the study programme link below to see the nominal division schedule.
Brief description of the course
This course provides a systematic overview of the modern history and culture of the Middle East from the 16th century to the present. It examines major political, social, and cultural developments in the region, including the rise and decline of the Ottoman Empire, the formation of modern nation-states, and key transformations in countries such as Turkey, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, and Syria, as well as developments in the Arabian Peninsula. Particular attention is given to ideological movements, religious dynamics, and regional conflicts, including questions of identity and statehood.
Lectures are complemented by seminars based on the reading and analysis of selected secondary sources. The course supports the development of analytical, comparative, and critical thinking skills in interpreting modern historical and cultural processes. The thematic focus of the course may vary from year to year depending on the lecturer
Lectures are complemented by seminars based on the reading and analysis of selected secondary sources. The course supports the development of analytical, comparative, and critical thinking skills in interpreting modern historical and cultural processes. The thematic focus of the course may vary from year to year depending on the lecturer
Learning outcomes in the course
Upon completing the course the student:
- demonstrates systematic knowledge of the main developments in the modern history and culture of the Middle East from the 16th century to the present;
- analyses and interprets historical and cultural processes in the region in relation to broader political and social transformations;
- is able to independently analyse texts related to Middle Eastern history and culture using appropriate academic approaches;
- applies acquired knowledge in discussing and writing about topics covered in the course;
- critically evaluates information and academic sources and uses digital resources responsibly in the study related to the region;
- works independently and collaboratively, communicating both orally and in writing in a multicultural academic environment.
- demonstrates systematic knowledge of the main developments in the modern history and culture of the Middle East from the 16th century to the present;
- analyses and interprets historical and cultural processes in the region in relation to broader political and social transformations;
- is able to independently analyse texts related to Middle Eastern history and culture using appropriate academic approaches;
- applies acquired knowledge in discussing and writing about topics covered in the course;
- critically evaluates information and academic sources and uses digital resources responsibly in the study related to the region;
- works independently and collaboratively, communicating both orally and in writing in a multicultural academic environment.
Teacher
Üllar Peterson
Study programmes containing that course