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POL 220 - Middle East Politics

  • me map

ahlan wa sahlan 

 

Syllabus-- spring 2012

 

Take Home Essays for the Exams & other assignment info

 

Study Guides (will be updated throughout the semester)

Exam 1

Exam 2

Exam 3

Map courtesy of www.theodora.com/maps

 

Extra Credit options

--you may do up to 2 of these for a maximum of 10 points

There is also an extra credit Knowledge Quiz available on WebCT (which we'll go over in the first week of class) which does NOT count towards the 10 points maximum -- However, is MUST be taken within one week of reviewing it in class

  1. View Roesler's discussion of the 2010 Health Care Reform Bill (on Roesler's Homepage) and list (based on the discussion) the following:
    •  one reason why supporters want health care reform

    • one thing that is NOT in the bill

    • one thing that happens in 2010

    • one thing that happens in 2014 and

    • one tool used to pay for the plan
  2. State of the Union Speech  -- Due by 2/6/2011

      1. Watch the 2012 State of the Union speech and discuss the foreign policy section of the speech. What did Obama discuss that related to this classs and what was your reaction to it. Was there anything that surprised you?
  3. Due April 1;  Explain Roesler's point in his article in the current Global Pages (spring 2011, Vol 11, No.3).   Explain Osburn's point in his article in the same edition of the Global Pages.   (1-2 paragraphs for each article).  Be sure to briefly explain your reaction to each article.

  4.  Attend ONE of the following on-campus lectures (or film)

    1. & write a short summary of the discussion including one or two things you learned or found interesting in the presentations: (1/2 - 1 typed page)  -- you may do two of these for up to 5 points each

      • Film: Crossing the Bridge: The Sound of Isanbul    Wednesday, March 21st at 7 p.m in SSB Auditorium

  5.  State of the Union

  •   Watch the 2012 State of the Union speech (here) and discuss the foreign policy section of the speech.  What did Obama discuss and what was your reaction to it.  Was there anything he left out that surprised you?   -- Due by 2/4/2011

 

More extra credit options may be available later in the semester

 

Useful Links

US Foreign Policy Links  --includes articles on 9/11

Mideast Peace Links

Iraq & the Axis of Evil

 

Interesting Articles: 

Read this exerpt from President G.H.W. Bush's book on why NOT to go to war with Iraq

Clash of Civilizations  --Christian Science Monitor discusses Islam and Christianity 

Prophet of Hope     --England's chief Rabbi discusses how to avoid a Clash of Civilizations   

What is Terrorism?  -- Do the "You Decide" exercise, looking at all 5 scenarios

Democracy in The Mideast -- CS Monitor

The US & Israel -- CS Monitor gives a history of US involvement in that conflict

UN Resolution 242:   Jewish Virtual Library  & MidEast Web

Israel's Wall :  CNN & CS Monitor discuss the implications

 

Video Clips

Bush, Religion & Foreign Policy

ABC's Interview with soldiers after the attack on Bob Woodruff

Lawrence of Arabia clip -- Also, check out PBS' websites on Islam: Empire of Faith and Lawrence of Arabia

Chomsky on Colonial violence

 

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