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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "PL 265"
COURSE NAME: "Politics of the Middle East"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring 2024
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Michael Driessen
EMAIL: [email protected]
 HOURS: MW 6:00 PM 7:15 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: Prerequisite: PL 223; Recommended: PL 209
OFFICE HOURS: MW 3pm
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
After an examination of the historical evolution of the region from the decline of the Ottoman Empire to the establishment of modern nations, the course will examine the place of Middle Eastern states in the world system, the legacy of nationalism, pan-Arabism, the birth of Israel, the Iranian Revolution, authoritarianism and democracy. The role of Islam in both international and domestic politics will be considered, with special attention given to the historical tradition of Islam as a political movement and an identity expression.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:

The course is divided into historical, thematic and case sections. It begins by briefly revisiting the early modern period of Middle East history and the critical years stretching between the end of the Ottoman Empire, decolonization and the establishment of new nation-states in the Middle East. The course then examines the mix of religious, social, political, and international forces which have evolved in various guises to shape politics over the last fifty years. In order to illustrate and understand these forces, students will systematically explore (and eventually apply them to) the political profiles of Algeria, Qatar, Iran, Syria, Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Iraq, Turkey, Israel, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia. The course ends by reflecting on how these forces have exploded in the recent Arab Uprisings and the battle for Syria and what that means for the new Middle East to come.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
With this course, it is my hope that students will be able to master and name the basic political and social dynamics of contemporary Middle East politics and, as a result, be able to reflectively read, comprehend and evaluate the dramatic events unfolding in the region today.

MEDIA:

In a course on contemporary regional politics, it is essential to familiarize oneself with the unfolding political events of the time, especially if the student is not acquainted with the region. Read one of the following newspapers or otherwise online media daily. We will be talking (and trying to come to terms with) these headline events throughout the course. Two quizzes, one geographical and one on current events and persons, in addition to the Midterm, will require this familiarization:

Al Jazeera: http://aljazeera.com/

Al Arabiya: http://english.alarabiya.net/

Al Ahram: http://english.ahram.org.eg/

Haaretz: http://www.haaretz.com/

BBC Middle East: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world/middle_east/

Grading Scale:

A:94-100

A-: 90-93.99

B+: 87-89.99

B: 84-86.99

B-: 80-83.99

C+: 77-79.99

C: 74-76.99

C-: 70-73.99

D+: 67-69.99

D: 64-66.99

D-: 60-63.99

F: 0-59.99

TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
The Middle EastEllen LustSage/CQ Press9781071844489  Hard Copy  
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Quizes (2)1. Map Quiz 2. Presidents, Prime Ministers, Parties, Kings and Current Events Quiz 10%
Final Exam 30%
Midterm Exam 25%
Attendance and Presence of Mind 10%
Reflections1. Reflection on Arab Nationalism 2. Reflection on Arab Spring25%

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the course
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.
-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Participation, Attendance and Presence of Mind are mandatory for this class. The goal here is to advance towards the art of asking good questions. Quality, not quantity of participation is what counts, although some quantity is better than no quality. Students will be allowed 2 unexcused absences. Each unexcused absence thereafter will result in the lowering of the attendance grade by 1/3rd a letter grade. More than 12 unexcused absences may result in a failure to pass the course.

 
ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.
SCHEDULE

A full schedule of readings and topics will be made available on Moodle at the start of the semester