193Descr

This course will introduce students to the multiple natural resources of the Middle East and North Africa. It will explain how these natural resources have been utilized and managed throughout history by a variety of human population groups. A background on the physical environment, flora and fauna of the Middle East will be provided. The relevance of history, politics, and the legacy of colonialism/imperialism for the environment will be examined. Through the use of contemporary case studies, the course will examine environment and development challenges faced in the Middle East today. We will study cases from Egypt, the Maghreb, the Levant, the Gulf region and others that deal with issues regarding water, nomads, agriculture, desertification, national parks, indigenous knowledges, and more!

Fulfills the GE Social Science and Arts & Humanities requirement. This is not a writing course.

Books (subject to change):

Hammond. (2006) Atlas of the Middle East and Northern Africa. Maplewood, NJ: Hammond Inc.

Middleton, Nick (2009) Deserts: A Very Short History. Oxford University Press.

Articles and book chapters will compliment the main texts (smartsite).

Students will be evaluated based on their performance in class discussions, quizzes and exams including
short essays, multiple choice and true false questions. Other assignments may be added.