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Course Offerings

Course Details

Fall 2011-2012
* POL 364 / NES 322 (SA)  

Politics of the Middle East

Amaney A. Jamal

This course offers students an overview of modern Middle Eastern politics. The course will first provide a historical analysis outlining the conditions that shape the formation and consolidation of authoritarian rule in modern Middle Eastern states. We will examine the political economy of the region, Islamic politics, state-society relations, wars, and other topics as probable explanatory variables to authoritarian persistence. Through case studies, the course will also focus on the impact of authoritarian rule on the political economy, civil societies, and opposition movements in the region.

Sample reading list:
Arthur Goldschmidt, Shibley Telham, Karl Yambert (eds.), The Contemporary Middle East
Cleveland, William, History of the Modern Middle East (2nd ed.)
Esposito, John, Islam and Politics (4th ed.)
Richards, Alan and John Waterbury, A Political Economy of the Middle East (2nd ed.)

Reading/Writing assignments:
Two, 7-10 page analytical papers: 25% each

Requirements/Grading:
Paper in lieu of Final - 30%
Papers - 50%
Class/Precept Participation - 20%

Schedule/Classroom assignment:

Class numberSectionTimeDaysRoomEnrollmentStatus
22895 L01 11:00 am - 11:50 am T Th   Robertson Hall   002   Enrolled:38 Limit:
P01 1:30 pm - 2:20 pm T   Corwin Hall   126   Enrolled:11 Limit:13
P02 3:30 pm - 4:20 pm T   Corwin Hall   023   Enrolled:8 Limit:13
P03 9:00 am - 9:50 am W   Robertson Hall   008   Enrolled:11 Limit:13
P04 10:00 am - 10:50 am W   Robertson Hall   008   Enrolled:8 Limit:13