GOVERNMENTS AND POLITICS OF THE MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA

INTLST 266

An interdisciplinary introduction to the diverse cultures, geography, history, modern states, politics, societies, and economies of the Middle East. A special emphasis placed on Islam as a religion and Muslim peoples.

POLISCI 856

Introduction to leading concepts and theories in the field of comparative politics, including those relating to states, nations, regimes and development. Includes work on many different regions and countries employing a range of research strategies and methodologies.

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.

GEN&WS/POLISCI 435

Explores the intertwined relationship between gender and politics in contemporary Middle East and North Africa. Situates the region's historical, socio-political, and cultural context that have particularly contributed to shaping the current discourse on gender in the Arab World. Explores - both theoretically and empirically - the role of Arab women in influencing the political processes across the Middle East. Examines real-world examples of Middle Eastern women from different parts of the region who have succeeded to challenge the status quo and push for genuine change.

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.