POL 323 The Middle East and International Conflict
The course is for students who wish to gain an understanding of the political, economic, religious, and social roots of the conflicts in the region. Students examine the conflicts between Israel and Palestine, US wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the rise of terror groups like the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda.
Prerequisites
4 Undergraduate credits
Effective May 6, 2016 to present
Meets graduation requirements for
Learning outcomes
General
- Can critique contending perspectives on U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East at an upper division college level.
- Can evaluate the relative importance of religion, economics and politics in understanding current developments at an upper division college level.
- Can write critically and analytically at a level consistent with upper division university standards.
- Understands the relationship between historical, cultural and political forces and their impact on specific Middle East Middle East issues and conflicts.
Minnesota Transfer Curriculum
Goal 5: History and the Social and Behavioral Sciences
- Employ the methods and data that historians and social and behavioral scientists use to investigate the human condition.
- Examine social institutions and processes across a range of historical periods and cultures.
- Use and critique alternative explanatory systems or theories.
- Develop and communicate alternative explanations or solutions for contemporary social issues.
Goal 8: Global Perspective
- Describe and analyze political, economic, and cultural elements which influence relations of states and societies in their historical and contemporary dimensions.
- Demonstrate knowledge of cultural, social, religious and linguistic differences.
- Analyze specific international problems, illustrating the cultural, economic, and political differences that affect their solution.
- Understand the role of a world citizen and the responsibility world citizens share for their common global future.