HIST 187F
Variable Topics Historiography Proseminar: Near East: History of Infrastructure in Middle East
Description: Study addresses historical role that infrastructure has played in society; and how its construction, maintenance, and breakdown have shaped power relations in world. Particular focus on Middle East. Introduction to infrastructure studies, and how ethnography has helped us to understand human society at micro and macro levels. Examination of historical examples of how humanity has overcome logistical challenges in different geographical and temporal contexts, from camel and wheel to irrigation systems and large-scale communications networks. Study also of 21st century, engaging knowledge infrastructure such as genetic science and its role in shaping concepts of ethnoreligious identities. By weaving in contemporary case studies with historical ones, study highlights relevance of historical knowledge in confronting infrastructural challenges of present and future.
Units: 4.0
Units: 4.0
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Most Helpful Review
Spring 2022 - This was one of the last classes I took before graduating from UCLA. I took it because I had Professor Koh for another Ottoman Empire history class. I would highly recommend taking Professor Koh even if you want to dip your toes into Ottoman Empire history or just need to fulfill a seminar credit. Professor Koh provides all the readings. There aren't any tests, just weekly response papers. Make sure to do the readings and response papers and participate in class, and you're golden. This is a seminar course, so there is no traditional lecture; instead, for each reading, we're given a few questions, and we are split into groups to discuss and find the answers. After Week 1, each of us has to sign up for what reading we want to present and create discussion questions for. Unfortunately, during the week that I had to present, I got Covid but Professor Koh was kind enough to host the class over Zoom so that I could still present. If you have any trouble understanding the readings (like I did), Professor Koh is always happy to explain.
Spring 2022 - This was one of the last classes I took before graduating from UCLA. I took it because I had Professor Koh for another Ottoman Empire history class. I would highly recommend taking Professor Koh even if you want to dip your toes into Ottoman Empire history or just need to fulfill a seminar credit. Professor Koh provides all the readings. There aren't any tests, just weekly response papers. Make sure to do the readings and response papers and participate in class, and you're golden. This is a seminar course, so there is no traditional lecture; instead, for each reading, we're given a few questions, and we are split into groups to discuss and find the answers. After Week 1, each of us has to sign up for what reading we want to present and create discussion questions for. Unfortunately, during the week that I had to present, I got Covid but Professor Koh was kind enough to host the class over Zoom so that I could still present. If you have any trouble understanding the readings (like I did), Professor Koh is always happy to explain.
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