In this writing assignment, invite you to reflect on this question of “what is the Middle East?”suggest that you first google map the region, read the introduction of the author of our adopted book “Destiny Disrupted”, then explore the different websites listed in the week one overview.
You’re also encouraged to conduct your own internet search on the topic of the difficulties associated with pinning down the exact boundaries of this complex region.
In your initial post, you should include at least four out of the seven answers to the questions below. Failure to do so would affect your grade points as explained in details in the rubric.
– Is the Middle East exclusively located in the Asian continent? If no, which other Middle Eastern countries are located in Europe and Africa?
– Did you know that most Middle Eastern countries are located in Asia? Which part of Asia?
– What are the challenges one faces when approaching the geography of the region?
– Did your research lead you to conclude that there is somewhat of a consensus on the location of the region?
– What stereotypes and/or generalizations could be the result of the problematic geography of the region?
– Are all Middle Easterners Muslim? Are all Middle Easterners Arab? Are all Arabs Muslim?
– After investigation, what could be your own approximate definition of the Middle East as a region?
Note: You are not supposed to come up with definitive answers in this question. The purpose of this assignment is to signal the complexity of the geography of the region. You are encouraged to come up with facts as well as express your confusion about the geography of the region.
