L I B E R A L A R T S A N D S C I E N C E S Demystifying the Middle East: A Primer T his course presents the major themes and events that have defined the modern history and real- ities of the Middle East, focusing on developments since World War I. After providing background on the development of the Middle East during the classical Islamic and Ottoman eras, we will assess the conflicting agreements undertaken during World War I between Britain and its allies to decide the future of the Middle Eastern territories then under Ottoman rule. We will go on to examine the creation of new colonial mandates and states and the major historical developments that defined the European colonial era and the more recent years of political independence. Topics in this section of the course will include an analysis of the creation of Israel (1948), the rise and decline of Pan-Arab nation- alism (1952–70), the role of oil, and the emergence of new forms of political Islam in the region. We will continue by reviewing the Arab Spring; the recent wars in Iraq, Syria, Libya, Yemen, and elsewhere; and the attempts at normalizing relations between Israel and the Arab world. Finally, using a thematic and interdis- ciplinary approach, we will study the diverse ethnic, religious, and national identities of the peoples of the region. We will also explore US involvement in the region and its broader ramifications for US foreign policy. m a rwa n d. h a na n i a Historian Marwan D. Hanania has taught at Stanford, Coastal Carolina University, the American University of Sharjah, the University of Nevada, Reno, and San Diego Mesa College. His research interests and areas of focus include the modern Middle East, urban history, refugees and migration, Christian-Muslim relations, the history of Islam, the late Ottoman period, and European empires. He received a PhD in history from Stanford. In addition to teaching with Stanford Continuing Studies, Marwan teaches in the history department at Santa Clara University. POL 177 Saturday, July 8 Sunday, July 9 10:00 am – 4:00 pm (PT) 1 unit, $360 Refund Deadline: July 1 Course Format: On-campus L A N G U A G E S Beginning French D esigned for students with little to no knowledge of French, this course focuses on acquiring basic communication skills using a creative, all-in-French, conversational approach in a fun and relaxed class atmosphere. By the end of the course, students will be able to talk about their own and others’ personalities, activities, hobbies, families, and studies, and they will be able to read about French and francophone culture. In addition, students will be able to use communicative strategies to make and respond to requests, handle phone conversations, and express interests. h e at h e r howa r d Lecturer in French, Stanford Heather Howard has taught French for the Stanford Language Center for over 15 years. Prior to Stanford, she taught at Allegheny College, UCLA, USC, and Scripps Claremont. Her passions include film and feminist theory, politics and social justice, and all topics related to linguistics. She received a PhD in 18th-century French literature from UCLA. FRN 01 Wednesdays, 7:00 – 9:05 pm (PT) 8 weeks, June 28 – August 16 1 unit, $495 Limit: 27 Refund Deadline: June 30 Course Format: On-campus 28 S T A N F O R D C O N T I N U I N G S T U D I E S