Time Schedule:
Pamela J. Stumpo
POL S 447
Seattle Campus
Selected comparative political problems, political institutions, processes, and issues in comparative perspective. Strongly recommended: POL S 204.
Class description
Like no other political entity in history, the modern state seeks to transform society into an image of its own making and to harness the productive power of its citizens for its own benefit. States in the Middle East, like those all over the world, have attempted this feat with varying degrees of success and failure. This course will examine state efforts to dominate and shape society in the Middle East and the myriad of ways that social groups have resisted state rule.
The course is divided into four main sections. In the first, brief part of the class, we will discuss state-society relations. The nature, sources and goals of authoritarian states and monarchies will constitute our focus in the second part of the class. In the third part of the class, we will explore how people interact with state organizations to shape local and national policies, influence political discourse, and pursue political goals, even in non-democratic contexts. We will examine a number of societal groups that challenge state power, including ethnic minorities, Islamic movements, informal networks and groups focusing on women. Finally, in the fourth part of the class we will examine steps towards democratization and political liberalization in the Middle East in the context of the regimes and social forces that we have studied. How might these societal groups challenge state power and promote democratization, if at all?
If you want to know more about the Middle East than what you can learn from Facebook and Twiiter or the Seattle Times and King 5 News, this class is for you.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
A combination of lecture and discussion.
Recommended preparation
Prior knowledge of the Middle East is not necessary. However, students should be prepared to keep up with daily reading assignments of approximately 20 to 30 pages and come to class ready to discuss them.
Class assignments and grading
Grading will be based on a mid-term and a final examination, a news clippings-based research paper, an in-class presentation, and class participation.
