Course Description
Evaluates critically social science approaches to the study of the Middle East. Examines the assumptions from which mainstream study of the Middle East starts. Course covers basic contextual information as well as engaging major theoretical debates and specialized topics.
Athena Title
COMP POL MIDDL EAST
Prerequisite
INTL 6300 or permission of department
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
After taking this course, students will be familiar with the various regime types, economic systems, and major conflicts in the region. Students will be expected to develop an in-depth appreciation of at least one Middle Eastern country as well as a broad familiarity with the regional context. Students will have engaged the major social science debates regarding the region and be familiar with different theoretical approaches used in comparative politics.
Topical Outline
1. Overview of regime types, economic systems and major conflicts 2. Area studies vs. social science 3. Orientalism 4. Political culture approaches to studying the Middle East 5. States and State building 6. Regime change and stability 7. Islam and Civil Society 8. Mass behavior and revolutions
Syllabus