Political Science

This course is designed as an introduction to Middle East and North African Politics (MENA) through a comparative framework.  By utilizing established techniques of comparative analysis and concepts we will focus on the internal political, social and economic processes and actors in the Middle East.  Additionally, the events of the “Arab Spring” on domestic power structures will be carefully examined.  Additionally, this will be an in-depth study of politics and foreign policy in the Middle East.  Therefore, we will also examine Middle East politics as it relates to international relations and organizations.  For example, we will examine issues such as the very important Arab-Israeli-Palestinian relationship, specific interstate rivalries in the Middle East (Iran v Iraq), the role of super-power politics, ongoing Middle East Peace negotiations, the political economy of oil, and the effect of religious diversity on politics, among others. We will look at the history, development, and locus of power in Mid East Politics.  Because of these wide-ranging dynamics, this is a course in both comparative politics and international relations.

Additionally, this course serves as the fora through which AQ prepares and participates in the Michigan Model Arab League.

This course is designed as a critical examination and in-depth evaluation of American Foreign Policy.  The actors and processes involved in making and executing foreign policy will be examined, along with the policy perspectives of the major nation-states and international organizations with which the United States interacts.  We will look at the history of US foreign policy, with a special emphasis on 20th century interaction.  Specifically, we will study: US - Soviet/Russian relations, the rise and decline of US Hegemony, United States - Japanese and Sino relations, American policy toward West and East Europe, US policy in Central and Latin America, US policy toward Africa, and American foreign economic policy.  Emphasis is placed on counter-revolution and counter terror policies.

We will also look carefully at the decision-making processes of American Foreign Policy.  Here we will examine the roles of: the executive branch and bureaucracies; congress; the press; the public; and certain "exogenous variables" such as multinational corporations or foreign actors.  One objective is to recognize the ways in which these actors interact and the constraints under which they operate.