POSC 216 — F Government and Politics of the Middle East 3 Units
54 hours lecture per term. This course is an introduction to the historical, social, economic and ideological foundations of the Middle East in general and major states in the region in particular. Emphasis is placed on the political and economic developments in Egypt, Iraq, Iran, Israel and Saudi Arabia. Topics covered include: introduction to the land, peoples, cultures and religions; colonialism and the emergence of modern states following World War I; Western influence and Islamic revivalism; regional conflicts (Arab-Israeli, Iran-Iraq, Gulf War); the politics and economics of oil; U.S. based ethnic interest groups and their influence on U.S. foreign policy; patrimonialism and militarism; liberalization and democratization. (Degree Credit) (CSU) (UC) AA GE, CSU GE, IGETC