INTS 243-01, Government and Politics of the Middle East, Fall 2008

Abstract

This syllabus was submitted to the Office of Academic Affairs by the course instructor. Uploaded by Archives RSA Josephine Hill.

This is an introductory course on the politics of the Middle East; it presupposes no previous
 knowledge of the region. The course surveys the historical and political trajectories of selected
 states and dynamics in the Middle East, paying special attention to the politics, societies, and
 ideological currents of the Eastern (Mashreq) Arab world, Turkey, Iran and Israel-Palestine. It
 opens with an examination of early Islam, the region’s history, and different ideological trends in
 the Middle East. The role of ethnic and religious minorities, state building, economic and
 political liberalization, authoritarian rule, conflict, gender questions and case studies of several
 states are then analyzed. The final week of lectures then addresses questions relating to the
 future of the region as well as the Middle East in international politics.
 This course provides students with basic background knowledge, analytical tools, and familiarity
 with key issues necessary to better understand today’s Middle East and current events there.
 Course exams and written assignments are designed to encourage students to arrive at their own
 analyses and conclusions regarding key issues in the region. A core textbook provides a
 structured basis for the course, with class lectures and additional readings designed to further
 elucidate material not covered in the textbook.