Middle Eastern Studies 392S - S-Contemp Syria/Region&Global

The Syrian conflict is widely regarded as one of the largest humanitarian catastrophes since World War II. This course will examine modern Syria up to and through the conflict to enable students to understand the conflict roots, dynamics and potential outcomes, as well as its regional and global dimensions. The first half of the course will focus on the country's state formation since the early 20th century and through the onset of the conflict with a focus on politics, ideology, culture and political economy. The second half will examine the past decade in more detail including: the main international and external actors involved and their motivations, the socioeconomic dimensions of the conflict including the refugee crisis and finally debates about how to resolve the conflict, including sanctions, external intervention, and the potential for negotiated settlements. The course will also feature a series of guest speakers (scholars, policymakers, and activists) with expert knowledge on the country. Students will be expected to keep up with weekly material including readings, videos/films, podcasts, periodic assignments, and write a final position paper on key debates surrounding the conflict.