Middle Eastern Gov'T and Politics

SAME AS POL-GA 2590

This course is designed to present graduate students with some central themes in the study of Politics of the Middle East. The course is not a survey of the subfield of Comparative Politics of the Middle East, but rather focuses on a few select themes to interrogate how politics can be studied to shed light on contemporary struggles in the region and beyond it. These include—revolutionary protest, migration, economic inequality, citizenship regimes, and conceptions of justice. Readings have been selected to expose students to cutting-edge research presented primarily as sustained arguments in book-length monographs. Thus, the seminar is designed to help students develop their critical reading skills and help them become generous, but incisive commentators on research and writing. The written and oral assignments in the course are designed to encourage students to develop their own assessment of the individual readings and work to synthesize. Opportunities will be provided for students to go beyond the course readings to examine topics that are of particular interests and relevance to their own research and interests. There will be an emphasis on developing writing and oral presentation skills; consequently there will be only limited opportunity for independent and primary research. In order for the seminar to be fruitful and engaging for everyone involved, it is essential that students come to class prepared to raise questions and analyze the readings. Active and constructive participation is essential; for this to happen full preparation is necessary.