UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, LAS VEGASUNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, LAS VEGAS Department of Political Science Political Science 407D.1 Political Systems of the Middle East and North Africa Professor Mehran Tamadonfar Fall, 2010 Office: WRI-212 WRI-C237 Phone number: TR: 10-11:15 a.m. 895-3318 Teaching Assistant: E-mail: [email protected] Autoosa Kojoori-Saatchi Office Hours: T-R: 11:30a.m -12:30 p.m., T: 4-5 p.m. and by appointment PURPOSE AND SCOPE: This area study Comparative Politics course is designed to: • familiarize students with the methodological and theoretical tools for the study of developing political systems; and • provide them with an in-depth analysis of the contexts, characteristics, and dynamics of the Political institutions, processes, and policies in the Muslim Middle East and North Africa. Although references to, and comparisons with, the state of Israel will be made throughout the semester, the scope of our methodological framework, which is designed to study only developing/underdeveloped political systems, does not allow for an adequate and independent treatment of this developed system. Furthermore, in the absence of effective institutions, our lectures will mostly focus on the significance of informal politics and role of personalities in these neo-patrimonial systems and their impacts on change and development, rather than on the institutional characteristics of the systems which are generally marginal to the dynamics of politics in this region. We will have an issue-oriented approach to our studies rather than a country-by-country one. This enables us to cover a broad range of topics including historical, socio-cultural, demographic, geographic and economic contexts of the political systems and processes in this region. While discussing historical events and classical Islamic political though is useful, and sometimes unavoidable, my intent here is to concentrate on contemporary issues and thoughts. To follow the lectures, it is imperative that the students keep up with the readings and pay attention to current issues in this rapidly changing region.REQUIRED TEXTS: 1. Arshin Adib-Moghaddam, 2008, Iran in World Politics: The Question of the Islamic Republic, Columbia University Press. 2. Shahrokh Akhavi, 2009, The Middle East; The Politics of the Sacred and Secular, Zed Books. 3. Roger Owen, 2004. State, Power and Politics in the Making of Modern Middle East, Taylor and Francis, Inc. 4. Rashid Khalidi, 2007, The Iron Cage: The Story of the Palestinian Struggle for Statehood, Beacon Press. SUGGGESTED TEXTS: Students are not required to purchase or read the following books. However, these books are useful for those who would like to have readings on class lectures, especially at the beginning of the semester. *1. James A. Bill and Robert L. Hardgrave, Jr., Comparative Politics: The Quest for Theory, U.S.: University Press of America, 1981. *2. Mehran Tamadonfar, The Islamic Polity and Political Leadership, Boulder: Westview Press; 1989. *On reserve at the Lied Library. Office Hours: I will hold extended office hours. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need to see me at any time other than during my regular hours. Your questions, comments, and criticisms are always appreciated. COURSE CONDUCT AND EVALUATION POLICY: The reading assignments are supplements to class lectures. Therefore, attendance is critical for satisfactory performance in this course, given the types of topics that are covered, the scope of the reading assignments, and the expectations on the exams. If you are unable to attend lectures regularly and participate in discussions effectively, you are advised to drop the course. Preparation for and participation in class discussions are keys to a meaningful understanding of some of these complex and somewhat novel (at least to many of you) topics. Please feel free to express yourself. Quite often, students do not express their views, especially if their views do not coincide with those of the professor. A constructive study of the Middle East in the United States requires a good deal of open-mindedness and tolerance. In the interest of objectivity and an informed learning process, we will attempt to challenge the common myths and dispose of the misconceptions about the Muslim Middle East. With your informed, thoughtful, and tolerantparticipation we will have a worthwhile learning experience. Students are not allowed to use any recording devices during lectures and discussion sessions under any circumstance. If your computer has any recording capacity, you are not allowed to use it in class. Furthermore, please turn off your cell phones in class. Talking on, and any other use of, cell phones in class is strictly prohibited. Students’ course grades will be determined as follows: 1.Class participation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . …10% of the total grade 2. Written Mid-term examination on Oct. 21 . . . . . . . . . . ……30% of the total 3. Research paper (15-20 pages in length on a pre-approved topic, topics should be finalized by Sept.14, and paper is due on Nov.23.……………………………………………................30% of the total grade 4.A non-comprehensive final exam on May 7th (10:10a.m. )…30% of the total grade Failure to take the exams on the scheduled dates or finalize the research paper topics or submit research papers on time will result in failing grades for the missed assignments. No written make-up exam will be given. Those with legitimate and compelling excuses will be allowed to take an oral mid-term examination. COURSE OUTLINE: Note: The following topics and times are subject to minor changes, if necessary, to accommodate your interests and needs. Some sessions will be allocated to the study of current events. Therefore, students are