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ADM4141 SOCIETY AND POLITICS IN THE LATE OTTOMAN EMPIRE

Course Objectives

At the end of this course, students will learn:

To explore the social developments and political dynamics of the Ottoman Empire from 1703 to 1922, with a focus on the nineteenth-century trends and events. To understand the key historical events and political figures that shaped the trajectory of the Ottoman Empire during this period, including the transition to the Turkish Republic. To analyze the various perspectives and interpretations offered by historians to understand the complexities of Ottoman history, including debates surrounding political reform, cultural change, and imperial decline. To contextualize the last decades of the Ottoman Empire within broader historical trends, including the impact of globalization, nationalism, and imperialism on the region. To critically evaluate primary sources and secondary literature on Ottoman history, including different methodological approaches and theoretical frameworks used by historians. To engage in discussions and debates on controversial topics and interpretations related to Ottoman history, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills. To synthesize knowledge of Ottoman history and its legacy to develop a nuanced understanding of the historical forces that shaped the modern Middle East and Turkey.

Course Content

The course aims to familiarize students with social developments and politics of the Ottoman Empire from 1703 to 1922. While there is an introduction about the early modern era, the emphasis is on the nineteenth-century trends and events. The last decades of the Empire will also be discussed in order to help the students comprehend some of the dynamics of the transition from the Ottoman Empire to the Turkish Republic. In addition to significant historical events and key political figures, different perspectives offered to understand the historical trajectory in question are also discussed and analyzed throughout the semester.

Course Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the social, political, and cultural developments of the Ottoman Empire from 1703 to 1922, with a particular emphasis on the nineteenth century.
• Analyze key historical events, political figures, and societal trends within the context of Ottoman history, and assess their significance in shaping the trajectory of the empire.
• Evaluate different historiographical perspectives and interpretations of Ottoman history, considering the diverse viewpoints and methodologies employed by historians.
• Contextualize the late Ottoman period within broader historical frameworks, including the transition from empire to nation-state and the socio-political dynamics of the period.
• Critically examine primary sources and secondary literature on Ottoman history, demonstrating the ability to assess sources for reliability, bias, and relevance to historical inquiry.
• Engage in informed discussions and debates on complex issues related to Ottoman history, demonstrating the capacity for critical thinking and reasoned argumentation.
• Synthesize knowledge of Ottoman history to develop a nuanced understanding of its legacy and impact on the modern Middle East and Turkey, and articulate informed perspectives on its historical significance.

Program Outcomes Matrix

0: No Contribution 1: Little Contribution 2: Partial Contribution 3: Full Contribution