Time Schedule:
Nader Nazemi
POL S 331
Seattle Campus
Breakdown of traditional society and the problems of building modern political systems.
Class description
Description: This course offers an introduction to the politics and social history of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). To begin with, the course offers a critical appraisal of the ways of imagining, thinking and learning about the region that have been common in the West. It continues with a historical overview of Islam and the politics of the region. Finally, it offers an in-depth examination of a number of issues experienced by the people of MENA. These include problems associated with economic development and democratization, human rights, international conflict and war, Islam and politics, the status of women and United States foreign policy towards the region. At the end, it is hoped that students will acquire the analytical skills necessary for challenging resilient stereotypes about the region, and for independently making sense of historical and contemporary problems in MENA.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Recommended preparation
Class assignments and grading
