Introduction
What, When, Where is the Middle East?
This week introduces the module and begins by discussing the arbitrariness of the term, ‘the Middle East.’ We consider the setting of the Middle East in terms of its geography, politics and economy, history, the role of religion, and why and how the Middle East has been studied by others.
[LECTURE SLIDES]
Seminar Questions:
General Issues:
Which geographic factors affect Middle East populations?
What is the role of geography in Middle East and North African political conflicts?
Why do the authors suggest that agriculture and geography are not timeless?
Why is reference made to 2 measures to discuss population density?
Are oil rich countries insulated from population growth?
Why is the Middle East as a junction important?
What role do water resources play in the Middle East?
Why is it better to factor language over ethnicity to understand a population?
Thematic Issues:
What is the relation between geography and politics and history? For example, what would happen if a strait closed?
What initial conclusions can we make about the arbitrariness of the term Middle East?
Readings:
'Statistics on the Middle East' (handout)