POL2634 Middle East PoliticsBahçeşehir UniversityDegree Programs INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERINGGeneral Information For StudentsDiploma SupplementErasmus Policy StatementNational QualificationsBologna Commission
INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING
Bachelor TR-NQF-HE: Level 6 QF-EHEA: First Cycle EQF-LLL: Level 6

Course Introduction and Application Information

Course Code Course Name Semester Theoretical Practical Credit ECTS
POL2634 Middle East Politics Spring 3 0 3 6
This catalog is for information purposes. Course status is determined by the relevant department at the beginning of semester.

Basic information

Language of instruction: English
Type of course: Non-Departmental Elective
Course Level: Bachelor’s Degree (First Cycle)
Mode of Delivery: Hybrid
Course Coordinator : Assoc. Prof. ESRA ALBAYRAKOĞLU
Recommended Optional Program Components: None
Course Objectives: The aim of this course is to introduce students to the major political structures and questions in Middle Eastern politics. The first section examines the origins of Middle Eastern states and introduces you to critical structures like religion, tribes, and the family. In the second section, we examine why authoritarianism has persisted in the region, and how it is linked to other issues like nationalism, militarism, and rentierism. The third section assesses the degree to which civil society and social movements—including the revolutionary movements of the ‘Arab Spring’—have challenged longstanding regimes and state structures. And in the fourth and final section, we consider the future of Middle Eastern politics by evaluating some of the lingering concerns and the emerging prospects for liberalization and reform.

Learning Outcomes

The students who have succeeded in this course;
The students who have succeeded in this course;
I. Analyze the Middle East utilizing both historical and theoretical concepts
II. Understand the role of ideology and religion, oil in the Middle East
III. Compare and contrast Middle East countries’ foreign policies
IV. Evaluate the economic, cultural and demographic changes in the Middle East
V. Recognize national and international factors in Middle East foreign policy making process

Course Content

Ancient civilizations; the role of religion; the legacies of colonialism; the Middle East regional system, the impact of the international system on the middle east, the challenge of security in the region.

Weekly Detailed Course Contents

Week Subject Related Preparation
1) An Introduction to the Middle East
2) Ancient Middle East: Sumerians, Akkadians, Babylonians, Assyrians, Phoenicians.
3) Great Empires: Persian Empire, Carthage, Rome Empire, Egypt and Hellenism.
4) Religion in the Middle East: Christianity and Judaism
5) Rise of Islam: The “Golden Age”, Rashidun Caliphate and Split in Islam.
6) Spread of Islam: Umayyad, Abbasid, Fatimid and Ayyubid Dynasties.
7) Reconquista in Spain, Andalusia and The Crusades.
8) Mongol, Seljuq and Byzantine Empires influences in the Middle East.
9) Rise of the Ottoman Empire. Ottoman’s influence in the Middle East
10) I. World War, Interwar Period, Second World War and the consequences: Impact of the war on the Jewish public and the region, increasing sympathy towards the Jewish public and Zionism and twice Promised Land.
11) Modern Middle East: Historic moments, assessments of specific events.
12) September 11 Attacks: Foreign Policies of the Middle East States, US Post-September 11.
13) The new world order, new approaches and analysis of current issues.
14) Review

Sources

Course Notes / Textbooks: William L. Cleveland – Modern Middle East History
Louise Fawcett - International Relations of the Middle East
Raymond Hinnebusch & Anoushiravan Ehteshami - The Foreign Policies of the Middle East States
Ian J. Bickerton - The Arab-Israeli Conflict
Laura Zittrain Eisenberg & Neil Caplan- Negotiating Arab - Israeli Peace
David S. Sorenson - Interpreting the Middle East
Robert D. Lee – Religion and Politics in the Middle East
Peter Mansfield – A History of the Middle East
Bernard Lewis – The Middle East
Benjamin MacQueen - An Introduction to Middle East Politics
References: William L. Cleveland – Modern Middle East History
Louise Fawcett - International Relations of the Middle East
Raymond Hinnebusch & Anoushiravan Ehteshami - The Foreign Policies of the Middle East States
Ian J. Bickerton - The Arab-Israeli Conflict
Laura Zittrain Eisenberg & Neil Caplan- Negotiating Arab - Israeli Peace
David S. Sorenson - Interpreting the Middle East
Robert D. Lee – Religion and Politics in the Middle East
Peter Mansfield – A History of the Middle East
Bernard Lewis – The Middle East
Benjamin MacQueen - An Introduction to Middle East Politics

Evaluation System

Semester Requirements Number of Activities Level of Contribution
Attendance 14 % 20
Midterms 1 % 40
Final 1 % 40
Total % 100
PERCENTAGE OF SEMESTER WORK % 60
PERCENTAGE OF FINAL WORK % 40
Total % 100

ECTS / Workload Table

Activities Number of Activities Workload
Course Hours 14 42
Study Hours Out of Class 14 104
Midterms 1 2
Final 1 2
Total Workload 150

Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes

No Effect 1 Lowest 2 Low 3 Average 4 High 5 Highest
           
Program Outcomes Level of Contribution
1) Build up a body of knowledge in mathematics, science and industrial engineering subjects; use theoretical and applied information in these areas to model and solve complex engineering problems.
2) Identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems; select and apply proper analysis and modeling methods for this purpose.
3) Design a complex system, process, device or product under realistic constraints and conditions, in such a way as to meet the desired result; apply modern design methods for this purpose. The ability to apply modern design methods to meet this objective.
4) Devise, select, and use modern techniques and tools needed for solving complex problems in industrial engineering practice; employ information technologies effectively.
5) Design and conduct experiments, collect data, analyze and interpret results for investigating the complex problems specific to industrial engineering.
6) Cooperate efficiently in intra-disciplinary and multi-disciplinary teams; and show self-reliance when working independently.
7) Demonstrate effective communication skills in both oral and written English and Turkish. Writing and understanding reports, preparing design and production reports, making effective presentations, giving and receiving clear and understandable instructions.
8) Recognize the need for lifelong learning; show ability to access information, to follow developments in science and technology, and to continuously educate him/herself.
9) Develop an awareness of professional and ethical responsibility, and behaving accordingly. Information about the standards used in engineering applications.
10) Know business life practices such as project management, risk management, and change management; develop an awareness of entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable development.
11) Know contemporary issues and the global and societal effects of modern age engineering practices on health, environment, and safety; recognize the legal consequences of engineering solutions.
12) Develop effective and efficient managerial skills.