Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2022 - IS 315 D100

Introduction to Middle East Politics (4)

Class Number: 4162

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 10 – Aug 8, 2022: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Aug 13, 2022
    Sat, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Vancouver

  • Prerequisites:

    45 units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduces the political, economic, and ideological dynamics of contemporary Middle Eastern states. Examines the legacy of colonialism, state formation, central ideological trends such as Arab nationalism and political Islam, the dynamics of state-society contention, and the challenges of economic development.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course provides students with a general introduction to the political, economic, and ideological dynamics of the contemporary Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The course begins with the breakup of the Ottoman Empire in the late 19th and early 20th century and concludes with the 2011 Arab Spring.

Classes address the legacy of colonialism, state building, the Israel/Palestine conflict, Arab nationalism, Islamism, oil, political economy, the Cold War, women’s rights, authoritarianism, and popular protest. The course studies countries across the MENA region, including Egypt, Israel/Palestine, Iran, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, and Algeria. It will provide a foundation for future scholarship on the MENA and offer comparative perspective on political dynamics in other regions of the world.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Through this course, students will a) gain understanding of key dynamics in the politics of the contemporary MENA; b) develop appreciation for how and why empires, states, laws, economies, ideological trends, and social movements in the MENA have changed over time; c) improve their analytical, reading, writing, and presentation skills through engagement with secondary materials and primary sources from the MENA.

Grading

  • Attendance and participation 10%
  • In-class presentation (5 min and Q&A) 10%
  • Reading analysis (750 words) 15%
  • Primary source analysis (750 words) 15%
  • Essay (2000 words) 25%
  • Final Exam (in-class) 25%

NOTES:

Students will be required to submit their written assignments to Turnitin.com in order to receive credit for the assignments and for the course.

The School for International Studies strictly enforces the University's policies regarding plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty. Information about these policies can be found at: http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/teaching.html.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

James Gelvin, The Modern Middle East: A History, 3rd ed. (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2011)

The Modern Middle East and North Africa: A History in Documents, ed. Julia Clancy-Smith and Charles Smith (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2014)

All readings are on reserve at SFU Library. If you cannot access a reading, please email me.

Wherever possible, electronic copies of readings will be made available through Canvas.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN SUMMER 2022

Teaching at SFU in summer 2022 will involve primarily in-person instruction.  Some courses may be offered through alternative methods (remote, online, blended), and if so, this will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes. 

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware that remote, online, or blended courses study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the summer 2022 term.