INTRODUCTION TO THE MIDDLE EAST

POLISCI 323

Examines the multifaceted nature of political Islam in the contemporary world. Starting with the basic tenants of Islam, and key concepts and theoretical understandings of the relationships between Islam and politics, the course builds on the approaches developed in the first part of the course examining how Islam has influenced politics differently in various parts of the world including the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and South Asia. Students will familiarize themselves with theoretical debates about the roles of Islam in politics; analyze the impact of Islam on politics in the contemporary world; and gain empirical knowledge about how Islam functions differently in various countries.

HISTORY/RELIGST 205

Development of society and culture in the Middle East and North Africa from the emergence of Islam (7th century) to early modern times.

HISTORY 139

Traces the formation of the states and societies that compose the contemporary Middle East. How have global phenomena, including two world wars, the Cold War, women's movements, and modern science, technology, and fossil fuels, affected the politics, culture, and daily lives of Middle Eastern people? What is Islamism, and how should we explain its influence? Why has the United States had such a troubled relationship with this part of the world? Balances a generally thematic approach with several weeks of country-specific studies, including Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Syria, and Israel and the Palestinian territories.

POLISCI 320

An introduction to the most pertinent themes to the study of politics and governance in the Middle East. Main topics to be covered: political economy of the region; link between Islam, culture and democracy; the politics of authoritarianism; and political Islam.

INTLST 101

Introduces the field of international studies, and performs an interdisciplinary examination of the cultural, political, economic, and social patterns that have defined the modern world.