A broadly chronological structure will be followed spanning 150 years of international politics. The importance of diplomacy, war, economics, religion, culture and political ideology will be considered. Each session will include the study and discussion of significant historical documents. Also, one session will include a role-play game of the 1878 Congress of Berlin with teams of students representing each of the European ‘Great Powers’. Students will be encouraged to consider the different answers to the ‘Eastern Question’ that were considered, as well as its continued contemporary relevance. 1. The Ottoman Empire & the Eastern Question 2. The Ottomans & the Great Powers in the 18th Century. 3. Napoleon in Egypt & the Greek War of Independence, 1792 - 1832. [HALF TERM BREAK] 4. Mehmet Ali in Egypt & the Crimean War, 1832 - 1856. 5. Eastern Crisis to Eastern Question, 1856 – 1914. 6. First World War & Peace Settlements, 1914 – 1923. 7. Aftermath & Assessment.
Course aim
To explore the violent decline and fall of the Ottoman Empire and to examine how this led to the creation of the modern ‘Middle East’. Was a more peaceful answer to this ‘Eastern Question’ ever possible?
Do I need any particular skills or experience?
- This course is for beginners and improvers
- Introductory talks with slide-shows will be consolidated with comprehension and interpretation activities including small-group work in Zoom ‘break-out rooms’. Additional material including links to further online viewing, listening and reading will be provided via the Canvas online platform.
By the end of the course I should be able to:
- Give a brief description of the development of the Ottoman Empire.
- Describe some of the problems and challenges of Ottoman rule, as well as the various attempts at revival and reform.
- Compare and contrast the different interests of the European ‘Great Powers’.
- Assess the consequences of the fall of the Ottoman Empire.
What else do I need to know?
You will need an internet connection, e-mail address, speakers, a microphone and a webcam so that you can use Zoom video conferencing and our Canvas video learning platform. For information about Zoom and Canvas please visit: http://bit.ly/ZoomSpec http://bit.ly/WEAonline
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