COURSE UNIT TITLE

Offered By

International Relations (English)

Level of Course Unit

Third Cycle Programmes (Doctorate Degree)

Course Coordinator

PROFESSOR DOCTOR MÜGE AKNUR

Offered to

International Relations (English)

Course Objective

The aim of the course is to introduce the students to an analysis of selected topics in the Middle East. These topics will include historical analysis outlining the conditions
that shape the formation and consolidation of authoritarian rule in modern Middle Eastern states, colonial rule, post-colonial state formation in the region, Arab nationalism,
Arab-Israeli conflicts, Islamist politics, political economy, and the political liberalization and Arab Spring.

Learning Outcomes of the Course Unit

Mode of Delivery

Face -to- Face

Prerequisites and Co-requisites

None

Recomended Optional Programme Components

None

Course Contents

Recomended or Required Reading

1. Rex Brynen et. al. Beyond the Arab Spring: Authoritarianism and Demcoratization in the Arab World. Boulder: Lynne Rienner Publishers, 2012.
2. Rex Brynen, BahgatKorany and Paul Noble, Political Liberalization and Democratization in the Arab World: Theoretical Perspectives, Boulder: Lynne Rienner, 1995.
3. Beverley Milton-Edwards, Contemporary Politics in the Middle East, Cambridge: Polity Press, 2000.
4. Najib Ghadbian, Democratization and Islamist Challenge in the Arab World, Boulder: Westview Press, 1992.
5. Terry Lynn Karl, The Paradox of Plemty: Oil Booms and Petro States, Berkeley: University of California Press, 1997.
6. Many more books and articles.

Planned Learning Activities and Teaching Methods

1. Lectures
2. Individual Presentations
3. Group Presentations
4. Participation to class discussions
5. Exams

Assessment Methods

Further Notes About Assessment Methods

15 percent of the 40 percent of the final exam is consisted of a long paper and presentation
25 percent of the 40 percent of final exam is consisted of a final exam held in a classroom

Assessment Criteria

At the end of the course the learner will
1. Describe and explain the political dynamics in the Middle East.
2. Get a grasp of the historical background of Middle East and its impact on current politics.
3. Critically analyze the impact of political economy and Islamist politics on current politics in the region.
4. Critically analyze the political liberalization process in the region and the Arab Spring and their impact on current politics.
5. Design and write a research paper analyzing the dynamics of Middle East.
6. Work effectively individually or as a member of a group to write and present a paper.
7. Demonstrate high analytical skills in writing a paper.
8. Demonstrate high communication skills to present a paper

Language of Instruction

English

Course Policies and Rules

1. At least 70 percent of attendance is mandatory.
2. Participation to class discussions is compulsory.
3. Any attempt for plagiarism will result with disciplinary action.
4. If the students cannot attend the course they should inform the instructor in advance.

Contact Details for the Lecturer(s)

muge.aknur@deu.edu.tr

Office Hours

To be announced.

Work Placement(s)

None

Workload Calculation

Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes