Middle Eastern Studies and Politics - BA (Hons)

University of Leeds

Comparative politics involves two separate yet integrated components: it compares the nature of politics and processes across different political systems, and it studies how and why we make these comparisons. As such, this course is organized along both theoretical and substantive lines, taking advantage of case studies to provide context and example. This course is designed to introduce major concepts and issues in the comparative study of politics and government. By the end of the course, students will 1) understand the value in comparing political behaviour and institutions; 2) understand the logic of comparative political analysis - how social and political scientists create and test theories about political life; 3) be familiar with the basic varieties of political institutions, processes, and political cultures in the world; and 4) possess a basic understanding of how and why some political systems are more democratic than others.

This module offers a stimulating and broad overview of the history of the Arab world, from the advent of Islam in the 6th century up to the Ottoman conquest of Egypt in the 16th. We will examine this history in political, social and intellectual terms, using a variety of source materials including historiography (chronicles and biography), archaeology and coinage. Teaching takes the form of lectures and seminars, and will include multi-media resources (film, journalism, podcasts) where possible. The module offers an essential historical contextualisation of the role of Islam and Middle Eastern culture in the modern world.

This module provides students with a critical introduction to Western political thought. It aims to establish a grounding in some of the key ideas and theories that have shaped modern politics. In this way, the module seeks both to facilitate critical reflection on public life, and to provide a foundation for the further study of political theory. The module focuses on the work of five influential thinkers, investigating the historical context in which they wrote, the ideas and theories they developed, and the potential application of their thought to pressing political questions in the modern world. In so doing, the module enables students to develop essential study skills in reading and writing political theory.

What are the key debates that shape the practice of politics at international level? How can theory helps us better understand and analyse the practice of politics in the world today? How can awareness of differing cultural and intercultural perspectives help us better understand contemporary international politics? This module will introduce these themes and explore them in relation to a range of issues drawn from around the world. Because they are shaped by the current research interests of the staff teaching the module, the precise topics covered will vary from year to year. They might typically include: Colonialism and Post-Colonialism Nationalism and Self-Determination Political Regimes: Democracy vs. Autocracy Conflict and Revolutions Gender Globalisation and International Society

The Middle East as an area of interest is the focus of much media attention. This module surveys and attempts to study the Middle East not only as a geopolitical entity, but also as a multi-cultural, multi-religious, multi-linguistic and multi-ethnic region.