OSHER 150 - Demystifying the Middle East

The Middle East has been a region of great political, economic, and religious importance. All of the three revealed world religions - Christianity, Islam, and Judaism - came into being in the Middle East. It has also been an area of political instability and turmoil, conflicting nationalism, and historically fraught with conflict. Demystifying the Middle East is intended to explain various aspects of the modern Middle East using historical and anthropological perspectives, as well as personal experiences of the instructor. Each class meeting with address different topics: people and cultures, social issues focusing on families and the status of women, how ancient beliefs shaped both the Bible and the Quran, and the consequences of selective 'memories' of ancient concepts. With two course meetings dedicated to case studies of Iraq and Iran, participants will gain the insight to understand the Middle East and its peculiarities, and to formulate their own opinions about the present situation in the area.