Course Details

Calendar Description
This course will explore the history of the moment to understand why 9/11 happened and examine 9/11’s lasting legacy for both the West and the Arab-Muslim world. It will examine how the West was historically perceived in the Arab World, as well as the growth of Islamophobia in the US, Canada and Europe. This course will reflect on the intellectual climate of the US and the Arab world within a historical and political context often neglected, misunderstood, or ignored by proponents of the “clash of civilizations” argument.

Pre-Requisite(s): 2.0 credits
Co-Requisite(s): none
Restriction(s): none
Method of Delivery: Online 
Final Exam: There is no final exam in this course.

Course Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you should be able to:

1. Identify and explain the historical, social, cultural, and transformations and continuities that shaped the USA and its relationships with the Arab and Muslim world in the aftermath of 9/11. 
2. Formulate arguments and opinions on the role of 9/11 within the cultural history of the US and beyond.
3. Distill pertinent arguments of each reading’s factual content and its relevancy to the topics of the course.
4. Develop an interdisciplinary approach to the study of 9/11 and its aftermath from a historical perspective (i.e., to consider the traumatic events of 9/11 and its aftermath from cultural, political, social, and historical—as well as literary—perspectives). 
5. Use analytical and literacy skills necessary to read and critique any cultural text as a historical document.
6. formulate arguments and opinions on the role of 9/11 within the cultural history of the US and beyond.
7. Demonstrate skills in researching, planning and writing papers, incorporating an analytical understanding of key concepts in the course. Also, Strengthen communication skills. 

Assessments

The grade determination for this course is indicated in the following table. A brief description of each assessment is provided below. Select Content on the navbar to locate Assessments in the table of contents panel to review further details of each assessment. Due dates can be found under the Schedule heading of this outline.

Table 1: Course Assessments

Assessment Descriptions

Book Review
You will provide a succinct summary of the assigned book, and analyze the effectiveness and success of the authors’ methodology and overall argument. 

Graded Discussions
You will participate in three graded discussions which will allow you to provide a summary, your perspectives, thoughts and ideas related to a particular reading or video/film.

Research Essay
You will prepare an essay (2000 words) to be submitted in two stages. The paper may take the form of an analytical discussion that may employ theory to analyze a novel, film, short stories, play, television program, or other relevant cultural product as a historical document. This writing assignment is designed to develop and enhance your critical reading, analytical, and writing skills. 

Evaluation criteria include: critical and integrative analysis of texts, clarity of thought, ability to synthesize readings and occasionally, class discussions into the argument, and ability to formulate a theoretical grounding for it.

*Please note: This is a preliminary web course description only.  The department reserves the right to change without notice any information in this description.  The final, binding course outline will be distributed in the first class of the semester. 

**Please login to WebAdvisor, once the course schedule goes live, for instructor and room information.