Basic information about the area of ​​Western Asia1

obligatory courses

Classroom

Basic knowledge of the territory of Western Asia, including its general and regional geography, climate, fauna and flora, peoples, cultures, political situation and current socio-political issues, religions (from polytheismus to world religions, judaism, christianity and islam), and most important monuments from the beginnings through the modern times.

Introduction to Western Asia:

- geology,

- geography,

- climate, fauna and flora,

- history, especially after Alexander the Great (historical processes, rise and fall of regional imperia, turning points in history)

- ethnic and political situation, current socio-political issues,

- religions: polytheism, major monotheistic religions (Judaism, Christianity and Islam): doctrine, religious practice, philosophy of life, branches

-major historical sites and places of interest in Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Jordan and Iraq.

St. Przeworski, Azja Zachodnia, Warszawa 1937;

St. Arnold, Wł. Kurkiewicz, A. Tatomir, W. Żurawski, Dzieje świata. Chronologiczny przegląd ważniejszych wydarzeń, wyd. 2 uzup., Warszawa 1976 (odnośne rozdziały);

A. Hourani, Historia Arabów, Gdańsk 2003;

J.-P. Roux, Historia Turków, Gdańsk 2003;

M. D. Coogan (red.), Wielkie religie świata, Warszawa 1999;

M. Eliade, I. P. Couliano, Słownik religii, Warszawa 1994;

M. Popko, Turcja, Warszawa 1971;

przewodniki turystyczne i mapy poszczególnych krajów regionu (do wyboru).

After the course completion the student::

Knowledge:

- has knowledge about natural, geopolitical and economic environment and their importance for the historical and contemporary situation in the Middle East,

- can name and characterize basic cultural phenomena of the Ancient Near East;

Skills:

- can appropriately place the Ancient Near East in the context of circumstances pertinent to natural, geopolitical and economic environment;

Social Competences:

- has awareness of the cultural distinctness and its religious, philosophical, traditional and historical roots and its significance for understanding modern world.

Oral examination concerning the above mentioned topics.