Education in the Middle East

Education and Imagined Communities in the Modern Middle East

Dr. Yoni Furas

Short description

This course offers an introduction to the dramatic transformations in the field of education in the Middle East between the years 1811-1956. These transformations will be studied as a reflection of the cultural, political and economic shifts the region underwent during these years. Through discussions and readings of both secondary and primary sources (school curricula, textbooks, archival documents), our meetings will focus on the transfer and movement of local and foreign knowledge, examine and contextualize the connection between knowledge and power, explore the developments and tensions between ‘tradition’ and ‘modernity’ in education and analyze the role of modern education systems in the creation of nations.  

Course Policy

Keep phones turned-off while in class, or to turn off all electronic apparatuses.

Course Requirements

Mid Term:

• Midterm hand-in essay (10%).

Final requirement:

• Final hand-in paper, 6-10 pages (70%).
• Attendance and participation (20%)