2009 Course Handbook
POL266: Middle-East Politics
The September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centre and the Pentagon have focused world attention on the Middle East and its relations with the West. The primary objective of this course is to introduce students to the domestic politics of the Middle East, and to the intellectual and ideological currents which shape those politics.
The first weeks will be devoted to the contemporary history of the region from the late XIX century to the rise of Post-Colonial States in the area. Moreover, there will be an examination and a discussion of broad-ranging theoretical concepts necessary for an understanding of Middle Eastern political processes, and different ways of looking at those processes. The unit will then move to a more detailed examination of the structure of government and the politics of the region, using some of the ideas from the earlier part of the course.
Particular attention will be paid to the region's ongoing relations with the West and the current 'war against terrorism'; the emergence and future prospects of religious fundamentalism; and the rise of Arab nationalism and Zionism. The Arab-Israeli conflict; the 2003 Iraq Wars; and the impact of globalism will also be covered.
| Credit Points: | 4 |
| Contact Hours: | 3 |
| When Offered: |
D1 - Day; Offered in the first half-year
X1 - External study; Offered in the first half-year (On Campus session: No session) |
| Staff Contact: | Dr Gennaro Gervasio |
| Prerequisites: | 12cp |
| Corequisites: | |
| NCCWs: | |
| Unit Designations: | -- |
| Assessed As: | Graded |
| Offered By: |
Department of Modern History, Politics, International Relations and Security |
Timetable Information
For unit timetable information please visit the Timetables@Macquarie Website.