July 3

Introduction: Where and what is the Middle East? 

Gelvin, 1-5 and 7-23. 
(Recommended: Gelvin, 24-57)

Edward Said, Orientalism (New York: Vintage Books, 1978), 1-9. 

Melanie MacAlister, “Introduction” in Epic Encounters : Culture, Media, and U.S. Interests in the Middle East Since 1945, (UC Press, 2005) 1-12 

(rest of the chapter is highly recommended). 

Eric Davis, “10 Conceptual Sins,” www.tabsir.net, April 29, 2009.

In Class: Reel Bad Arabs