HIS 193c (CRN= 63786)

The Middle East Environment:

Historical Change and Current Challenges


Dr. D.K. Davis


Spring 2016: T/TH, 12:10-1:30; 158  Olson

Valley
Bamian Valley, irrigated fields, Afghanistan.

Course Description:

    This course will introduce students to the environment and 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.


Readings (subject to change): 

1)  National Geographic Atlas of the Middle East (2008) Second Edition.
2)  Middleton, N. (2009)  Deserts: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press.
3)  A selection of articles will complement these two books.


*This Description Subject to Change*