Admission requirements
Admission to (one of) the programme(s) listed under Part of in the information bar on the right.
If you are interested in taking this course, but NOT a student of (one of) the listed programme(s), please contact the Education Coordinator.
No formal admission requirements, However, students who do not have a background in Middle East studies or in the political economy of the Middle East are expected to read the following two introductory books prior to the start of the course:
- Melani Cammett, Ishac Diwan, Alan Richards, and John Waterbury. A Political Economy of the Middle East, 4th Edition. Boulder: Westview Press, 2015 (Available online via Leiden Library catalogue)
- Adam Hanieh. Lineages of Revolt: Issues of Contemporary Capitalism in the Middle East. Chicago: Haymarket Books, 2013 (Available online via Leiden Library catalogue).
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
Examine flows of capital, labour, and technology across 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 global, transnational, state, and non-state actors on domestic and regional development
Interpret the constraints, challenges, and prospects for greater economic integration
Critically identify and assess questions and developments relevant to IPE in the region, examine them with the scholarly rigor expected at the MA level, and formulate research questions and projects around these puzzles and problems
Apply knowledge gained to critically assess scholarship and IPE developments in the region, and communicate their interpretations in written and verbal forms.
Develop and use digital skills to conduct research.
Work in teams on research, analysis, and critique.
Timetable
The timetables are available through My Timetable.
Mode of instruction
Seminar
Assessment method
Assessment and weighing
The final mark for the course is established by determining the weighted average of the following:
| Partial Assessment | Weighing |
|---|---|
| Engagement (e.g. active, informed participation; presentation; discussant duties, etc), and short, written assignments (Details in syllabus) | 50% |
| Final paper | 50% |
In order to pass the course, students must obtain an overall mark of 5.50 (=6) or higher.
The course is an integrated whole. All assessment parts must be completed in the same academic year. No partial marks can be carried over into following years.
Resit
Students must complete the assignment on time. No paper will be accepted more than 4 days after the due date, including weekends. Late submissions will result in a deduction of paper grades as follows: 1-24 hs late = -0.5; 24-48 hs late = -1.0; 48-72 hs late = -1.5; 72-96 hs late = -2.0.
In order to pass the course, students must obtain an overall mark of 5.50 (=6) or higher. Only if the total weighted average is insufficient (5.49 or lower), the insufficient grade is the result of an insufficient paper and the final version of the paper was submitted on time, a re-sit of the paper is possible. The deadline for this version will be determined in consultation.
A re-sit for other course components is not possible.
Inspection and feedback
How and when an exam review will take place will be disclosed together with the publication of the exam results at the latest. If a student requests a review within 30 days after publication of the exam results, an exam review will be organized.
Reading list
Articles and book chapters can be found on the library catalogue or online. The full syllabus of required and recommended readings will be provided in Brightspace.
Registration
Enrolment through MyStudyMap is mandatory for:
MA Middle Eastern Studies students: the number of places is limited and the principle is first come, first served but please note that priority will be given to 1) students who start with the MA programme in 2024-2025 and 2) students who still need an elective for their programme.
MA Middle Eastern Studies (research) students who opt for the Research MA version of the course. The number of places is limited and the principle is first come, first served.
General information about course and exam enrolment is available on the website.
Students from the other MA programmes listed under Part of in the information bar on the right, need to contact their study adviser for information on the enrolment procedure. After admission they will be registered by the Education Administration Office Herta Mohr.
Contact
For substantive questions, contact the lecturer listed in the right information bar.
For questions about enrolment, admission, etc, contact the Education Administration Office Herta Mohr
Remarks
Please note that the additional course information is an integral part of this course description.