Scotch College

HISTORY Middle East Conflict - 1900 to the Present [Semester Unit] Year 10 — 2010

Rationale

Conflicts in the Middle East dominate world politics today, so a course on the origins and nature of struggles such as those in the Gulf and Israel is very relevant to a modern education. This course aims to teach students about historical and political developments in the Middle East from the beginning of the 20th Century to the present. In so doing, it will enhance students’ writing, analytical and research skills.

Student Outcomes

• examine and understand a history of each Middle East nation from North Africa to Iran.
• investigate the impact of World Wars 1 and 2 and the political and economic developments of the 20th Century on the Middle East state
• examine the impact of Zionism on the Middle East since 1900.
• research and write an essay on one aspect of conflict in the Middle East since World War II.
• investigate the various “Peace Processes” between the Palestinians and Israel since 1993.
• develop an understanding of the different ways to interpret conflict.
• develop and write a model Peace Plan for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through a UN style conference and role-play.

Course Content

Through a study of the history of each nation state in the Middle East, from North Africa to the Holy Lands, to Iran and the Persian Gulf region, the student will form an understanding of the nature and development of the Middle East. Other topics important to understanding the complexity and difficulties of the present Middle East are the impact of the end of World War I on the Middle East, the emergence of Zionism, Arab Nationalism and the politics of oil. The course will connect the above historical study with the following contemporary issues:

• The Arab-Israeli Conflict
• The Rise of Islamic Fundamentalism
• Terrorism in the Middle East and international terrorism
• The role of the United States in the Middle East
• The Gulf Wars of 1980, 1991, Saddam Hussein and the 2003 invasion of Iraq

ICT Skills

Students will use the Internet for research activities. They will use ‘Inspiration’ software for one assignment and may use ‘PowerPoint’ for class presentations.

Assessment

• Timeline
• Essay using ‘Inspiration’ software and make a class presentation.
• Essay writing and note-taking
• Examination