International Studies Writings
This page showcases a few samples from my time as an International Studies Major at the University of Denver
History of the Middle East | Fall 2018
This course explored the evolvement of the modern history of the Middle East, with an emphasis on political, cultural, economic, and international aspects. This course attempted to explain how the Middle East can best be analyzed and understood as an outcome of complex historical, political, and cultural interactions between a variety of dynamics at the national, regional, and global levels. We examined colonization of the Middle East, self-determination, the fall of the Ottoman Empire and its consequences, the rise of nation-states, the Cold War, continuing conflicts, and the history of US foreign policy in shaping the modern Middle East. Throughout the course, we studied three different topics; first, we studied the making of the Middle East; second, we studied a variety of dynamics shaping the current politics of the region, and finally, we tackled a number of case studies in the region.
I chose to highlight an essay from this class because I have had a particular focus on the Middle East region through my selection of courses in college. The final paper I wrote for this class, of course, focuses on a specific location in the middle east, but it also serves as a jumping-off point for more of my interests within the Middle East. The paper examines the problem of the British transference of its mandate of the State of Israel to the United Nations and how that may have affected the Israel-Palestine conflict—or rather Palestinian suppression of decades to come. This piece was important for me to include, not only out of topical interest but because it was my first foray into writing an analysis that examined a problem in the international system. This would be a prompt that I would interrogate in multiple forms over the past four years for my major. Looking back, this paper was a jumping-off point in my knowledge of policy and historical analyses.
You can find a sample of my work from this course here
African Development | Winter 2019
This class covered the history and theory behind different strategies of African Development. For the course's final paper I examined Ugandan history, with a focus on the effect of colonialism and its economic history after that period. I then examined their development strategies in terms of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and if they're reaching them or not. I then made a few policy recommendations for how Uganda may be able to reach its goals.
You can find that paper here.
Epidemics, Pandemics and Panic | Winter 2021
This course examined threats to the health of people around the world, looked at the scientific tools available to protect our health and explored how both biological and social factors contribute to the successes and failures of such efforts. Throughout the class, we learned the basics about biological factors that influence the spread of disease, and learn about medical and social tools we have to control the same. We examined public and policy responses to ancient and modern plagues. Case studies include Black Death, Smallpox, influenza, HIV/AIDS, famine, and emerging biological threats. For the final paper, I wrote an epidemiological overview of Covid-19, along with an examination of the U.S.' response to the pandemic, and what the U.S. could improve in its response.
To access that paper, click here.