Political Science 368 - United States and the Middle East

This course will examine the evolution and key debates about US foreign policy in the Middle East during the twentieth and early twenty-first centuries. Key topics include the geopolitics of oil, alliances and “special relationships,” interactions with adversaries, the pursuit of regime change, and “endless wars” across the region. We will examine contemporary policy debates alongside scholarly literature that frames them in broader historical and theoretical perspectives. Students will learn about processes of foreign policy formation, theories of hegemonic expansion and retreat, and the roles of state and nonstate actors in shaping the politics of the Middle East. In the first part of the course, we will scrutinize explanations for the massive expansion of American involvement across the region during the twentieth and early twenty-first centuries, then turn to ongoing debates about withdrawal and retrenchment. Our focus will be on explaining the ideas, interests, and constellations of power that have driven key developments over time. The final month of the semester will be devoted to scaffolding independent student research papers. 

Recommended Prior Coursework: At least one course dealing with international politics. Any coursework related to the modern Middle East.

Limited to 18 students. Fall semester. Visiting Assistant Professor Shils.

How to handle overenrollment: Preference to POSC majors

Students who enroll in this course will likely encounter and be expected to engage in the following intellectual skills, modes of learning, and assessment: An emphasis on close, critical reading of social scientific and historical writing, intensive discussions and debates in class, small group projects, and written work (substantial research paper).