Prospectus

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The Middle East in the International Political Economy

Course
2016-2017

Admission requirements

Admission to the MA Middle Eastern Studies, MA Middle Eastern Studies (research), or MA in International Studies. Students who are not admitted to one of these programs should contact the course convener.

Description

This course analyses the Middle East in the Global Political Economy. Overall, it surveys the field of international political economy (IPE) and examines the interactions of the Middle East within the global economic order. It seeks to familiarise students with the various roles of commodities, labour, and finance across the region. In so doing, it not only examines that which is unique about the political economy of the region but also the ways in which the region is more integrated and less exceptional than often purported. The course begins with a theoretical orientation to the field of IPE, and proceeds to situate the region within the field in historical and contemporary debates. The remainder of the course progresses thematically, examining topics such as oil and energy markets, trade, financial crisis, labour, global value chains, and integration.

Course objectives

  • Understand the broad theoretical debates within the field of Global Political Economy

  • Evaluate the role of various Middle Eastern states in the GPE

  • Assess the impact of oil on the region

  • Deepen understanding of the various economic challenges and opportunities facing the region, considering historical and potential future trajectories

  • Articulate how changes in the global economic order and technological innovation impact domestic, regional, and international economic development

  • Discuss historical and contemporary trends in the Middle East, and the region’s interactions with the global economic order

  • Analyse the impact of state and non-state actors on domestic and regional development

  • Interpret the constraints, challenges, and prospects for greater economic integration

Timetable

Timetable

Mode of instruction

  • Seminar

Attendance and participation are obligatory. Classes missed for a good reason (to the discretion of the conveners and to be discussed BEFORE the class takes place) will have to be made up with an extra assignment. Being absent without notification can result in a lower grade or exclusion from the term end exams and a failing grade for the course. Missing more than two seminars results in an automatic failure.

Course Load

EC: 10 (= 280 hours)

  • Attending seminars: 30 hours

  • Reading / studying material: 125 hours

  • Completing assignments: 125 hours

Assessment method

Assessment and grading method (in percentages):

EVALUATION
I. Engagement 30%
a. Active participation
b. Presentation
c. Discussant duties
II. Response Papers 30%
III. Final paper 40%

(The paper deadline mentioned in uSis is a fictional date for administration purposes only. The actual date will be communicated by the convenor of the course.)

In order to pass the course, students must obtain an overall mark of 5.50 (=6) or higher.

The course is an integrated whole. The final examination and the assignments must be completed in the same academic year. No partial marks can be carried over into following years.

Blackboard

Blackboard

Reading list

The book titles and / or syllabi to be used in the course, where they can be purchased and how this literature should be studied beforehand will be posted on Blackboard.

Reading material:

Articles and book chapters can be found on the library catalogue or online.
All reading materials must be read in advance of class. Students should arrive at class having examined the material thoroughly, and therefore ready to engage thoughtfully in seminar discussions.

Tentative Seminar Topics
1. Analysing the Global Political Economy
2. Situating the Middle East in the GPE: Beyond Exceptionalism
3. Globalization: Forces, Trends, and Development
4. Colonial Legacies, and Interactions in the Global Economy
5. Hydrocarbons and Energy Markets
6. Global Institutions and Business Politics: State, Society, and Region
7. The Political Economy of Labour Flows and Migration
8. Integration and Regionalism
9. Production and Power: From Local Production to Global Value Chains
10. Trade and Foreign Direct Investment
11. Global Finance, Sovereign Wealth Funds, and Commodity Markets
12. Dealing with Crises: Financial Crisis and Political Upheaval

Registration

Students are required to register through uSis. To avoid mistakes and problems, students are strongly advised to register in uSis through the activity number which can be found in the timetable in the column under the heading “Act.nbr.”.

Not being registered, means no permission to attend this course. See also the ‘Registration procedures for classes and examinations’ for registration deadlines and more information on how to register.

Registration Studeren à la carte and Contractonderwijs

Contractonderwijs.
Studeren à la carte is not possible for this course.

Contact

Dr. C.A. Ennis

Remarks

Students with disabilities

The university is committed to supporting and accommodating students with disabilities as stated in the university protocol (especially pages 3-5). Students should contact Fenestra Disability Centre at least four weeks before the start of their courses to ensure that all necessary academic accommodations can be made in time conform the abovementioned protocol.

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to be familiar with Leiden University policies on plagiarism and academic integrity. Plagiarism will not be tolerated. If you submit any work with your name affixed to it, it is assumed to be your own work with all sources used properly indicated and documented in the text (with quotations and/or citations).