Anglo-American University in Prague Middle Eastern Society and State
| Course Name | Middle Eastern Society and State |
| Course Code | POS372 |
| Description | This course is designed to address selected themes relevant for a deeper understanding of the Middle Eastern region and its peoples with a special focus on gender, nationalism and religion. The main objective of the course is to familiarise the students with major questions that concern the ways in which societies are politically organized and interact with the state in the Middle East. The course will aim to challenge the notion that there is an unchanging Middle East where things remain the same in terms of human rights, authoritarianism or religious fundamentalism. Historical context will also be considered in order to understand the current dynamics in the region, including the popular revolts in the Arab world, but also in Iran and Turkey. |
| Learning Outcomes | Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: – Demonstrate a complex understanding of the Middle East and its role in international politics; – Be familiar with concepts and analytical tools applied to study the state, society and politics in the Middle East and be aware of the different perspectives and debates within the field; – Demonstrate a deeper understanding of the role that nation, gender and religion play in the construction of societal and political forces in the Middle East and problematize issues such as religious fundamentalism, Islamic feminism, authoritarianism, etc.; – Formulate and present persuasive oral and written arguments on historical, social, political and cultural aspects of Middle Eastern society and state; – Demonstrate critical independent and reflective thought about the region and challenge the global media coverage of the events in the region; – Apply a comparative viewpoint when analyzing the various state, society forms and political systems in the Middle East. |
| School | School of International Relations and Diplomacy (IRD) |
| Level | Bachelor |
| Number of credits (US / ECTS) | 3 US / 6 ECTS |