Scotch College

HISTORY Year 10 — 2012

Middle East Conflict - 1900 to the Present [Semester Unit]

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 2
• 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:

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

Assessment 

Examination 

Timeline 

Essays