Sociopolitical Processes in the Middle East

2018/2019

Academic Year

ENG

Instruction in English

4

ECTS credits

Delivered at:

Institute of Asian and African Studies

Course type:

Elective course

When:

1 year, 3, 4 module

Course Syllabus

Abstract

Title of the course: Sociopolitical Processes in the Middle East. Prerequisites: Students are expected to be familiar with the general historical background of the modern Middle East. The course considers processes of social, political, and economic change in the modern Middle East. Although the principal problems of the region are not economic, some of these issues both have economic roots and largely impact the socio-economic situation in the region.

Learning Objectives

• The course will focus on examining and discussing models of socio-economic development, resource potential of the region, as well as important contemporary issues in individual countries and cases.

Expected Learning Outcomes

• Construct generalizations and interpretations that demonstrate a knowledge of historical eras, political and economical change over time, and key concepts in the regional and international politics of the modern Middle East.
• Communicate their knowledge of contemporary sociopolitical processes in the Middle East in reasoned arguments supported by evidence and an appreciation of multiple causes, effects, and perspectives.
• Locate, identify, and acknowledge multiple points of view in sources of interpretations of regional affairs.
• Connect their knowledge of historical events and topics to a broader context (historical, political, global, or with contemporary life and issues).
• Organize project activities in the field of humanities and social sciences.

Course Contents

• Introduction. Defining the Geographical and Chronological Boundaries of the Modern Middle East.
• Political Islam and the Iranian (Islamic) Revolution of 1979.
• The Role of the Sunni – Shia Divide in the Modern Middle East: Is It Over/Under-Estimated?
• Oil, Islamic Economy and the Challenges of Rentier States.
• Regional Integration in the Middle East: the Case of the Gulf Cooperation Council.
• Demographic Processes, Migrations and Job Markets in the Middle East.
• Water Resources in the Middle East.
• The Middle East in the World Economy.
• Forms of Political Leadership, Authoritarianism, Monarchies and Elected Populists.
• Russia and the Modern Middle East.

Assessment Elements

• Mid-term quiz
• Presentation
• Class attendance and seminar participation
• Exam

Interim Assessment

• Interim assessment (4 module)
  0.3 * Class attendance and seminar participation + 0.4 * Exam + 0.1 * Mid-term quiz + 0.2 * Presentation

Bibliography

Recommended Core Bibliography

• International relations of the Middle East / Louise Fawcett. (2005). Oxford [u.a.]: Oxford University Press. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edswao&AN=edswao.108313514

Recommended Additional Bibliography

• Cleveland, W. L., & Bunton, M. P. (2017). A History of the Modern Middle East (Vol. Sixth edition). Boulder, CO: Routledge. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=1286707