ARA 223 - Turkey: Culture of An Empire to a Culture of a Modern Nation

(3 units) CO10, CO11

Introduction to the customs and lifestyles of the Turkish past and present since the Ottoman empire. The focus is on political, economic, racial, religious, cultural and social issues to help contextualize many of the ongoing crises in the region surrounding Turkey. The course includes explorations into how these dynamics are manifested and contested in the visual and performing arts, particularly within youth and social movements. Taught in English.

Maximum units a student may earn: 3

Grading Basis: Graded
Units of Lecture: 3
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. interpret the history of the Ottoman empire and its evolution; understand its geography; describe the historical evolution of Egyptian religions; and evaluate the impact of past imperial experiences on present day politics.
2. identify the essential social structures of Turkish societies; appreciate traditional Turkish customs, art, and entertainment; demonstrate an understanding of the Turkish culture and etiquette.
3. assess Turkey’s current sociopolitical affairs and the contemporary debate about the future of Turkey contemporary culture(s); and evaluate its responses to modernity, especially to pressures to democratize.
4. discuss, identify and reflect on the history, customs, values, languages, religions, ethnicities, and other cultural aspects of Turkey and its people, and analyze how they compare to the U.S.
5. describe and analyze the perceptions, viewpoints, and life experiences of people in Turkey. Compare and contrast cultural aspects (including morals, biases, social norms, and world views) of Turkey with those of the U.S.
6. contextualize current events and experiences in relation to the historical and current context between Turkey and the U.S., including issues of freedom of speech, race, gender, and equality.
7. demonstrate how local and global contexts of ideas or events result in nuanced understandings of contemporary and/or historical ideas, events, or experiences.

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