HIST*2160 - 9/11 in Historical Perspective

Course Description

In 2001, the world was transformed by the coordinated attack by Al-Qaeda on US soil. 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 US is historically perceived in the Arab World, as well as the growing Islamaphobia 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.

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 9/1
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 Use analytical and literacy skills necessary to read and critique any cultural text as a historical document.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.

Course Topics

This course will explore the American experience locally, nationally, and within the global community from various perspectives and disciplines. Students will explore the transnational turn in the study of post-9/11 US that came in response to the dangers that face the nation. These changes, exemplified in the 9/11 attack, reassert the importance of looking beyond the borders of the US to see the “Other,” not as backward but as different and needs to be known and recognized.

Assessment