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UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, LAS VEGAS Department of Political Science Political Science 407D.1 Political Systems of the Middle East and North Africa Professor Mehran Tamadonfar Spring, 2009 Offices: WRI B225 and B212 TR : 8:30-9:45 a.m. Phone numbers: WRI C -237 895-5258 Teaching Assistant: 895-3318 Autoosa Kojoori-Saatchi [email protected] WRI A-209 Office Hours: 895-5239 T-R: 10-12 a.m. and by appointment PURPOSE AND SCOPE: This 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, this framework does not allow for an extensive treatment of the structural aspects of Middle Eastern political systems. However, it enables us to take an issue-oriented approach to the study of this region with a focus on case studies rather than country-by-country analysis. As specifically indicated in the course outline, we will discuss a broad range of issues related to the 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. This requires that students keep up with current developments in this rapidly changing region.REQUIRED TEXTS: 1. Husain Haqqani, Pakistan: Between Mosque and Military, Washington, D.C.: Carnegie Endowment for International Peace; 2005. 2. Tim Jacoby, Social Power and the Turkish State, London: Frank Cass Publishers; 2004. 3. Marina Ottaway and Julia Choucair-Vizoso (eds.), Beyond the Façade: Political Reform in the Arab World, Washington, D.C.: Carnegie Endowment for International Peace ; 2008. 4. Khaldoun Samman and Mazhar Al-Zo’Bat (eds.), Islam and the Orientalist World-System, Boulder: Paradigm Publishers; 2008. 5. Ray Takeyh, Hidden Iran: Paradox and power in the Islamic Republic, New York: Henry Holt; 2006. 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 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 my regular hours. Your questions, comments, and criticisms are always appreciated. COURSE CONDUCT AND EVALUATION POLICY: The reading assignments are simply a supplement to class lectures. Attendance is critical for satisfactory performance in this course, given the types of topics that are covered, the quality of reading assignments, and the nature of 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. Remember that the teaching quality is partly a reflection of the audience. With your effective participation and challenges we will have a worthwhile mutual learning experience. Students are not allowed to tape record class lectures and discussions under any circumstance. If your computer has voice recording capacity, you are not allowed to useyour computer 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. First written mid-term exam on Feb. 26 . . . . . . . . . . ………30% of the total grade 3. Second mid-term exam on March 31. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . …….30% of the total grade 4. A non-comprehensive final exam on May 7th (8: 00am)….. 30% of the total grade Failure to take the exams on the scheduled dates will result in failing grades. No written make-up exam will be given. Those who fail to take their midterm exams on the scheduled dates will be given an oral exam only if they have a legitimate and compelling excuse. 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 required to follow these events by watching news programs, reading newspapers, etc. January 13 INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW PART ONE: COMPARATIVE POLITICS AND THE STUDY OF THE MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA January 15 THE FIELD AND ITS DEVELOPMENTS: TRADITIONALISM, BEHAVIORALISM AND POST-BEHAVIORALISM Suggested reading: A. Bill, The Quest, Chapters III & VII. January 20 &22


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UNLV PSC 407D - Syllabus

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