Economies of the Middle East

Admission requirements

None.

Description

This course examines the economy/ies of the contemporary Middle East. It seeks to provide students with a comprehensive overview of the political economy of the region and its economic conditions, and equip them to analyse these in a sound and critical manner. The course begins with a broad overview of the ways scholars have conceptualized Middle East economy and an exploration of the economic history of the region. It then tackles particular economic concerns in a thematic way, connecting these with the pertinent historical framework while rooting the discussion in relevant theoretical debates.

TENTATIVE COURSE SCHEDULE

1. Introduction: Conceptualising the Middle East Economy
   2. Framing the Middle East Economy: Economic History and Development
   3. Patterns of Economic Growth
   4. The State and the Economy
   5. Charting Neoliberalism
   6. Economic Nationalism and Solidarism
   7. Demographic Change and Labour Markets
   8. Agrarian Change, Water, and Food Security
   9. Oil and Rentierism
   10. Gulf Hydrocarbons Wealth, FDI, and Aid
   11. (A) Islam and the Economy
   12. The Crisis and the Uprisings

Course objectives

• Evaluate the path of capitalism throughout the region

• Examine legacies of imperialism and their impact on current economic and political conditions

• Deepen understanding of demographic challenges and opportunities

• Articulate the costs and benefits of import-substitution industrialisation, neoliberalism, state-led capitalism

• Discuss the impact of oil on the region and understand the resource curse debate

• Examine income stagnation, poverty, and rising unemployment

• Explore gender inequities in the region and the potential development benefits of closing the gender gap

• Interpret the region’s economy in both state/civil society and state/class paradigms

Timetable

Timetable

Method of instruction

Lecture.

Course Load

Attending Lectures: 24 hours
Reading, studying, writing: 116
Total EC: 140

Assessment method

Mid-term examination (with closed questions and short questions): 40%
Final Examination (take home): 60%
Resit (final examination): 60%

Reading list

REQUIRED TEXTS

1. Alan Richards and John Waterbury. A Political Economy of the Middle East, 3rd Edition. Boulder: Westview Press, 2008
   2. Adam Hanieh. Lineages of Revolt: Issues of Contemporary Capitalism in the Middle East. Chicago: Haymarket Books, 2013.
   3. Other course readings are available in electronic format through the library website or from other online sources. Other materials will be available through the course Blackboard page.

Students should come to class having read the material, and prepared to participate in classroom discussions and activities.

Registration

uSis

Contact

Dr. C. Ennis

Remarks

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

Students are advised to familiarize themselves with Leiden University’s policies on plagiarism

Violations of academic integrity will be met with severe penalties.

COURSE POLICIES

Attendance:

• Students are expected to attend all classes.

• Students should arrive to class early. If late, they should not enter the class until the break.
  Assignments:

• All written assignments should be 1.5 spaced, with a standard font size (e.g. 12 pt Times New Roman or 10 pt Arial). Students should not go over the maximum page limit and should not adjust page margins.

• Students must use one reference style accurately and consistently throughout their assignments. Chicago Manual of Style with footnotes is strongly recommended.

• Late assignments will be penalized 5% per day, including weekends.

• No assignment will be accepted more than seven days after the due date unless prior arrangements have been made with the instructor. Extensions are granted at the sole discretion of the instructor. Students are advised to back up their work and complete their assignments in advance. Technical difficulties and random last minute mayhem will not be accepted as valid excuses for extension.

• Plagiarism is a serious offense and could result in a failing grade for the assignment and/or the course as well as disciplinary action by the department or the University. At this stage, students are expected to know how to source appropriately. As well, they should neither present someone else’s work as their own nor submit papers that are significantly similar in more than one course. Students should familiarize themselves with the University’s policies on plagiarism. Should they have questions or concerns about what may constitute a violation of academic integrity, they should speak with the instructor.

Technology:

• Cell phones and other mobile devices must be turned off and stored away throughout the entire class period.

• Laptops and tablets will be permitted in the class during lectures only for the purpose of taking notes.
  Communication

• The best way to communicate with me is during office hours or via email. I will respond to emails within 2 business days. Please note that this means inquiries about an assignment the day before the due date will not guarantee a response before the due date.

• Any matters beyond short questions should be addressed during my office hours or by appointment.