The aim of this course is to analyse and explain the dynamics of political economy in the contemporary Middle East. There is a focus on how political actors and social forces influence, and in turn are influenced, by political economy structures and development strategies. In particular, the effects of state institutions, international actors, social classes, and new groups such as private sector businesspeople are assessed, and their roles considered in the context of political economy theoretical approaches. Particular case studies focus on recent trends in the region, especially: the growth of Islamic models of economic development; the processes and outcomes of economic reform; the impacts of globalisation and foreign penetration of the region; and the ways in which new industries and technologies are shaping the political economies of the region.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the key concepts and terms on Middle Eastern political economy;
- Identify, debate and analyse the key dynamics of Middle Eastern political economy;
- Debate and assess the major theoretical ideas that have been developed by scholars to explain Middle Eastern political economy dynamics; and
- Make and defend suggestions about reforms and changes that might improve the efficiency, transparency, and equity of Middle Eastern political-economic systems.
Other Information
This course is considered compatible with Security Studies, Asian Politics & International Relations, and Contemporary Asian Societies fields of study.
Indicative Assessment
Major essay of some 2,500-3,000 words (50%) [assesses LOs 1-3 plus in some cases 4]
Final two-hour examination (40%) [assesses all LO']
Tutorial participation (10%) [addresses all LO's]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
One two-hour seminar and one one-hour tutorial per week. Students are expected to commit up to seven hours of private study per week.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
A reading brick will be made available to students.
Preliminary Reading
- Students without any economics background should familiarise themselves with basic economic terms and concepts (terms like: productivity, wages, prices, unemployment, inflation, interest rates, gross domestic product, investment, monetary policy, fiscal policy, investment, etc.)
- Students who have not completed MEAS1001, POLS2031, or similar should do some background reading on modern Middle Eastern history and politics; recommended are relevant chapters in Peter Mansfield, The Arabs (London: Penguin, 1992) or Albert Hourani, A History of the Arab Peoples (London: Faber & Faber, 1991).
Majors
Minors
Specialisations
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 1
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2016 | $3054 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2016 | $4368 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8546 | 18 Jul 2016 | 29 Jul 2016 | 31 Aug 2016 | 28 Oct 2016 | In Person | N/A |
