POL S 331
Breakdown of traditional society and the problems of building modern political systems.
Description: This course is about the mass movements, grouped under the name of the "Arab Spring" that swept the Middle East in the first half of 2011. The course will address whether these events are best thought of as revolutions or democratic transitions and will have a strong current-events focus. Professor Goldberg spent most of the first half of 2011 in Egypt.
Student learning goals
Students will be able to discuss the implications of the Arab spring for contemporary international politics.
Students will be able to address the distinction between revolution and democratic transition.
Students will learn how to find useful local (i.e. non-American although English-language) sources to understand contemporary events outside the US.
General method of instruction
Class assignments and grading
Class Assignments: There will be one in-class midterm examination (20%); one take-home midterm examination (30%), and a final examination (50%).
Grading: In-Class Midterm Exam 20 % Take Home Midterm Exam 30 % Final Exam: 50 % Total: 100 %