Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - IS 315 D100

Introduction to Middle East Politics (4)

Class Number: 3460

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Fri, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • 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:

You must have heard of Dubai. Or followed some football matches from Doha (in 2022).  Watched Al Jazeera? Or heard of the eye-watering sovereign wealth funds of Riyadh and Abu Dhabi.  This course focuses on this sub-region of the Middle East: the Arab Gulf states.  It aims to shed light on their histories, their societies, their politics, and the levers of power they today wield on the global stage.

These states, members of the so-called Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC: Saudi Arabia, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait) interact among one another, with their larger region and with the world. So while the course focuses on the GCC countries, it by necessity discusses intertwined histories, and conflicts. Yemen, Egypt, Iraq, Iran, and Jordan are among the countries whose past, and to some degree whose present, was influenced by conflict and accommodation with the Arab Gulf states.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

This is a survey course, we will aim more for breadth than depth. Still you will be a far more informed citizen and educated person by the end of this course thanks to exposure to and reflection on these themes:

  • What are the sources of these countries’ power (hint: it ain’t just hydrocarbons)?
  • What are these countries’ vulnerabilities (hint: Iran is not even number 3)?
  • Is their developmental model sustainable?
  • What are the sources of political legitimacy in these countries?
  • What role have they played in relation to the politics of change in the Middle East?

Grading

  • Papers (x2) 60%
  • Participation and small assignments 40%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

All will be journal articles or book chapters which I will post on Canvas. No book purchases necessary.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.