This course provides a comparative analysis of the economic development of Middle Eastern economies. The course deals primarily with the determinants of each country's economic development and the roles of historical, cultural, institutional, social, and political factors. The main focus will be identifying and comparing the relative importance of those factors that appear to have hindered or promoted economic development in each of the studied economies. Among the main themes to be explored are the roles of natural resource rents and state-led development, historical and institutional influences affecting economic growth, industrialisation efforts, foreign influence, conflicts, and intra-regional trade and investments. Analytical emphasis will be on identifying and comparing long-run determinants of each country's success (or lack of it) in achieving economic development. The knowledge gained from this course will facilitate successful employment in the private or public sector in economics, finance, trade, and investment in the Middle East.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Demonstrate a rigorous, analytically informed understanding of Middle Eastern economies.
- Understand and contextualise key historical and contemporary factors affecting the economic performance of Middle Eastern economies.
- Comparatively assess and study the economic policies and structures of Middle Eastern economies.
- Display in-depth knowledge of the economic challenges faced by countries in the Middle East and assess the economic prospects of these countries in the short to medium runs.
- Discuss and analyse key topics relating to Middle Eastern economies.
Other Information
Required readings will be posted on Wattle. These will include journal articles, book chapters, working papers, and policy publications. Each week will also include a list of recommended readings.
Indicative Assessment
- Response paper 1 (750 words) (10) [LO 1,2,3]
- Individual presentation (Including a 1,000-word summary report) (30) [LO 1,2,5]
- Response paper 2 (750 words) (10) [LO 1,2,3]
- Seminar participation (10) [LO 1,4,5]
- Research report (2,500 words) (40) [LO 1,2,3,4]
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
The standard workload for a 6 unit course is 130 hours including class time and independent study.
Inherent Requirements
None.
Prescribed Texts
None.
Preliminary Reading
Rauch, J.E., 2019. The Economics of the Middle East: A Comparative Approach. Oxford University Press, United States.
Hakimian, H. ed., 2021. The Routledge Handbook on the Middle East Economy. Routledge.
Noland, M. and Pack, H., 2007. The Arab Economies in a Changing World. Peterson Institute.
Naufal, G. and Genc, I., 2012. Expats and the Labor Force: The Story of the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries. Springer.
Aysan, A.F., Babacan, M., Gur, N. and Karahan, H. eds., 2018. Turkish Economy: Between Middle Income Trap and High Income Status. Springer.
Alizadeh, P. and Hakimian, H., 2013. Iran and the Global Economy. London and New York: Routledge Publishers.
Assumed Knowledge
This course is designed to be accessible to students from diverse disciplinary backgrounds. Understanding of introductory microeconomics and macroeconomics concepts is helpful.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you 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). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 34
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found 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 | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $4680 | Standard Rate |
| 2024 | $3720 |
Grandfathered Rate*
*continuing students in nominated programs only. See fee website |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $6000 |
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.
