POL 222 - Politics of the Middle East

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the Middle Eastern societies.
   1. Understand the patterns of the Middle East by looking at the social, economic, and political fermentation of the region.
   2. Explain the undercurrents of the Middle Eastern politics by analyzing the social and economic forces that shape the politics of the region.
   3. Evaluate the contextual basis of politics in these societies.
2. Analyze the causes, patterns, and directions of development or decay.
   1. Understand the process of development in the Middle East societies.
   2. Explain the causes of development or decay by applying theoretical rigor to the context of the Middle East.
   3. Evaluate the level, process, and direction of development by focusing on major groups, role of elites, rural-urban distribution of resources, and distribution of political power and influence.
3. Analyze similarities and differences between countries of the Middle East.
   1. Understand differences between and among countries of the Middle East by drawing a comparison of political systems, rules of governance, and level of participation.
   2. Distinguish political regimes according to the ruling elites, the nature of governance, and the relationship between the rulers and the ruled.
   3. Evaluate durability/sustainability of the political regimes, and issues related to the legitimacy of rule.
4. Analyze the role of religion in the social, economic, and political milieu of the Middle East.
   1. Relate the social mosaic of the Middle Eastern cultures to the role and importance of religion.
   2. Explain the relationship between religion and politics.
   3. Evaluate the importance of religion in the Middle Eastern context.
5. Analyze the role of natural resources in shaping the internal and external dynamics of the Middle Eastern politics.
   1. Understand the role of oil in regime durability.
   2. Explain the social and political divide between haves and have-nots.
   3. Evaluate the political/strategic importance of the region in terms of foreign policies of the industrialized world.
6. Analyze the causes of conflict and tension in the Middle East
   1. Understand the root cause/s of the Arab-Israeli conflict.
   2. Explain the regional religious-cum-political diversity and territorial claims.
   3. Evaluate the political perceptions on both sides.
7. Access and evaluate information on major developments in the region.
   1. Locate information from diverse printed and electronic sources.
   2. Assess the quality of these materials.
   3. Use information in making informed decisions, critiques, and conclusions.
8. Use critical thinking skills to reason and evaluate.
   1. Evaluate the credibility of sources of information.
   2. Analyze and evaluate theories, positions, viewpoints, and policies.
   3. Generate and assess solutions to problems.
9. Write effectively for specific audience and purpose.
   1. Understand and analyze information in written form.
   2. Explain the subject matter in a coherent writing style.
   3. Evaluate the information and develop effective communication skills.