To further a much more nuanced discussion of the complexity of Gulf societies and politics, this course will deal with some of the already identified issues, with the purpose of examining the deeper layers at the level of data, method, and theory. The bulk of this course, however, will depend very heavily on material generated by students own research throughout the semester. These issues will give students a chance to interrogate both theory and method and identify possible alternative approaches. 1st paper due by the end of by the end of week 4. Second paper is due after four weeks.
Final paper is due exam day.
For a student to have a basic understanding of the main issues in the Gulf region, one has to be at least familiar with this scholarly material. 11-33, chapter 3, pp. Essays in Politics Week 3. Nation and state Building in the Arabian Gulf. Christine Helms, The Cohesion of Saudi Arabia.