POLS 0009. Politics of the Middle East
Units: 3
Hours: 54 lecture
An introduction to the politics and political systems of the Middle East. Focuses on the influence of colonialism, nationalism and Islam on forms of government, social turmoil and international conflicts. (CSU, UC)
POLS 0009 - Politics of the Middle East
http://catalog.sierracollege.edu/course-outlines/pols-0009/
Catalog Description Hours: 54 lecture Description: An introduction to the politics and political systems of the Middle East. Focuses on the influence of colonialism, nationalism and Islam on forms of government, social turmoil and international conflicts. (CSU, UC) Course Student Learning Outcomes CSLO #1: Assess the importance of historical context, economic development and globalization on the politics of the region. CSLO #2: Demonstrate the role of ideas in politics in the region. CSLO #3: Distinguish between the different types of political systems in the region. CSLO #4: Evaluate the causes of conflict and prospects for peace in the region. Effective Term Fall 2024 Course Type Credit - Degree-applicable Contact Hours 54 Outside of Class Hours 108 Total Student Learning Hours 162 Course Objectives At the conclusion of the course, the student should be able to: 1. Demonstrate the influence of historical context on contemporary politics, referring to Islamic civilizations and Western colonialism. 2. Describe the major regional ideologies (including nationalism, liberalism and religions) in the modern era and analyze their roles in legitimating governments and as sources of conflict. 3. Categorize political systems in the region by analyzing the makeup and interaction of their three branches of government and their use of elections and parties. 4. Discuss the roles that elites (including religious and military leaders) play in monarchies, dictatorships, democracies and theocracies. 5. Evaluate the balance of power between governments and their societies by examining civil liberties, interest groups, social movements and the media. 6. Employ theories of political stability and development to understand domestic political conflict and change (including civil war and democratic transition). 7. Assess the positive and negative effects of the uneven distribution of petroleum in the region on political and economic development. 8. Identify the sources of the Israeli-Arab/Palestinian conflict, trace its evolution and evaluate the prospects for peaceful resolution. 9. Describe the causes of the various international conflicts in the Gulf from the 1970s to present and demonstrate their significance. 10. Assess the influence of states from outside of the region on its domestic and international politics. General Education Information Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability AA/AS - Social Sciences AA/AS - Multicultural Studies CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval) CSUGE - D Social Sciences CSUGE - D8 Pol Sci/Govt/Lgl In Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval) IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval) IGETC - 4 Soc./Behav Sciences IGETC - 4H Pol Sci/Govt/Lgl In Articulation Information CSU Transferable UC Transferable Methods of Evaluation Classroom Discussions Example: The instructor will facilitate comparisons by student groups who present particular political systems in the region to those presented by other student groups in class. Students will be graded on demonstrated ability to apply concepts of political systems to cases effectively. Essay Examinations Example: Write an essay in reaction to the simulation outlining the difficulties with resolving the conflict over Jerusalem. Graded on the basis of integrating learning from the lectures and applying that learning to the in-class exercise. Objective Examinations Example: 30 multiple choice questions on history and geography of the Middle East. Example: Map of the region with numbers on states for students to match to listed options. Correct responses indicate learning of history of the region. Projects Example: Students will present posters for people and cultures on topics approved by the instructor. Graded on basis of students presenting cultural factors (e.g. religion, women)from the region in an informative way. Reports Example: Students will make presentations on an assigned state's political system as a manifestation of the concepts presented by the instructor in abstract in class. Students will be graded on demonstrated ability to apply concepts of political systems to cases effectively. Repeatable No Methods of Instruction Lecture/Discussion Distance Learning Lecture: Instructor will organize a simulation of negotiations over the status of Jerusalem and will guide students through its stages. Students will write an essay reflecting on insight gained into the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Distance Learning Instructor will provide students with text and audio-visual learning materials (e.g., videos, PowerPoint, lecture notes) supported by textbook chapters on Arab nationalism. Students will need to use this material to effectively participate in discussions that the instructor will monitor to provide clarification and correction when needed. Typical Out of Class Assignments Reading Assignments 1. Read chapter 2 and find news articles that exemplify nationalism. 2. Read chapter 5 on the Arab-Israeli conflict and come to class prepared to discuss possible solutions. Writing, Problem Solving or Performance 1. Write an essay illustrating the benefits and hazards of cooperation in resolving the Arab-Israeli conflict in light of the experience in the simulation. 2. Write an essay exploring the motives for US policy toward the region, drawing on the learning material. Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.) Required Materials Middle East Politics: Changing Dynamics Author: Mahmood Monshipouri Publisher: Routledge Publication Date: 2019 Text Edition: 1st Classic Textbook?: OER Link: OER: Politics of the Middle East Author: Roskin & Coyle Publisher: Pearson Publication Date: 2008 Text Edition: 2nd Classic Textbook?: OER Link: OER: An Introduction to Middle East Politics Author: Benjamin MacQueen Publisher: SAGE Publication Date: 2018 Text Edition: 2nd Classic Textbook?: OER Link: OER: Contemporary Politics in the Middle East Author: Milton-Edwards Publisher: Polity Publication Date: 2018 Text Edition: 4th Classic Textbook?: OER Link: OER: Middle East Author: Ellen Lust Publisher: Congressional Quarterly Publication Date: 2023 Text Edition: 16th Classic Textbook?: OER Link: OER: Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.
Course Identification Numbering System (C-ID)
...0215L POLS 110 POLS 0001 POLS 120 POLS...0015 CDEV 100 HDEV 0009 CDEV 110 HDEV...
