They will normally run between one and two hours in length, depending on whether or not a film is also to be shown. A picture is worth a thousand words where we cannot actually go to the Middle East to witness some of the events which we shall be discussing. The films vary somewhat in quality, but certainly are all well worth seeing. They are intended to further inform you or to sharpen your critical powers of observation. Therefore, many simply consist of dialogues or narrations of events.
Workshops are an important ingredient of our formal instruction time.
They will last roughly fifty minutes, during which time we shall explore the topic at hand in the context of readings, films, and the lecture. Such activity entails some intellectual risk, but it is hoped that in the discussions people will be willing to use such opportunities for the considerable intellectual gains which will accrue to both the individual and to the entire group. If you must miss a session, please me know. In its place, you will still be required to submit a journal. Failure to submit this journal will result in a deduction of three points from your final mark.