POL 220 Assignments
Paper #1 Topics: Write a 1-2 page typed (double or 1 1/2 space) paper addressing ONE of the following questions (20 points; due by Exam 1)
1.
Compare previous examples of Western intervention (such as the Crusades
and Colonialism) in the Middle East with the current US involvement in
Iraq. How do you think these past actions affect the trust of US
intentions today. Be sure to give examples and include the
following:
crusades, colonialsm,
2. Give examples of Muslim scienific and
technological superiority in the 10th through 14th centuries (be sure to give examples
from Overbye and/or the Islam film). Briefly
discuss three theories on the collapse of Muslim
power and the rise of European power.
With which do you agree the most?
Paper #2
Topics -- these are the correct questions
1. Many in favor of invading Iraq argued that we could not deal with Saddam in any humane, rational way. Roesler, on the other hand, argues that Saddam, while ruthless, was quite rational. In what way was Saddam rational in not cooperating with the weapons inspectors? Given the 2003 invasion after weapons inspectors found no WMDs, would the sanctions really have been lifted if he cooperated? Read this quote from President G.H.W. Bush. Do you think President G.W. Bush acted in the US's rational self-interest in invading Iraq in 2003?
2.Contrast the role of Islam in politics in Turkey, Egypt and Iran. Why are mosques the only form of protest in dictatorships such as Egypt? Contrast Turkish policies with those of the US. Has Turkey gone too far in its separation of religion and politics?
Final Exam Take home essay: 1-2 pages (20 points) -- due at the final
Give Christian, Jewish and Muslim examples of justifying policies on religious grounds. What is the problem with viewing one’s policies in religious terms (be sure to give examples from videos such as 60 Minutes: Zion’s Christian Soldiers)? Is the Israeli-Palestinian problem primarily one of religion? If not, what are the key issues? Is a clash of civilizations inevitable? Explain.
Mock
After the first exam, each student will pick one country/group to research. The Jimmy Carter book is an excellent starting point for your research.
1. First, write
a summary (in
outline format) of the issues addressed in the 2000
2. Each student will then explain the point of view of that country/group on the problem and explain the country’s position regarding the conflict. Furthermore, you will write your response to Jimmy Carter’s conclusions and requirements for peace he lays out in his book.
3. Then, you will explain your position on the Arab Peace plan (go to http://www.mideastweb.org/saudipeace.htm or read Appendix 6 of Carter’s book).
4. You will write-out these best- and worse-case scenarios and turn in a copy to me before negotiations begin (the last two weeks of class). Each group will briefly explain their “point of view” to the others at the beginning of negotiations, staking out your group/country’s main demands. This will be done through a 1-page typed summary handout to your fellow students at the beginning of negotiations.
Remember to be thorough! The position paper is worth 60 points and will be the basis for your bargaining.