SIS 543 - The Politics of Identity in the Middle East

Institution:

American University

Subject:

Description:

Course Level: Undergraduate/Graduate Current approaches to the study of politics of identity recognize that communal identities are cultural phenomena; as such they are imagined and negotiated in specific (and evolving) cultural; economic; and political contexts. What are the ramifications of this understanding of communal identity for multi ethnic and multi sectarian states such as Iraq This course examines research on communal identity (e.g. tribal; ethnic; religious/sectarian and national) in order to provide a context for understanding political; economic, and socio-cultural developments in the contemporary Middle East. Case studies include: Jordan; Egypt; Yemen; Morocco; Iraq; Iran and the Arab Gulf States. From a post-modern perspective; the "social construction of difference" is also examined. The course introduces perspectives and research rooted in recent social and cultural theory that assists students to become more informed interpreters of analytical and descriptive generalizations about identity in the Middle East. Usually offered every spring.

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

WWW.AMERICAN.EDU

Phone Number:

(202) 885-1000

Regional Accreditation:

Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Semester

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