Fall 2005

MES 322K • Environment and Development in the Middle East

Course Description

This course will introduce students to the multiple natural resources of the Middle East and North Africa. It will detail how these natural resources have been utilized and managed throughout history by a variety of human population groups. A thorough background on the physical environment, flora and fauna of the Middle East will be provided. The relevance of history, politics, and the legacy of colonialism for the environment will be explored. Through the use of contemporary case studies, the course will examine environment and development challenges faced in the Middle East today. We will study cases from Egypt, Afghanistan, Algeria, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, and others that deal with issues regarding nomads, agriculture, desertification, national parks, indigenous knowledges, endangered species, and more!

Texts

Required Readings: Gerner, D., ed. (2003) Understanding the Contemporary Middle East. SECOND edition. London: Lynne Rienner Publishers.

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