PLSI 410 Middle East Politics

San Francisco State University, Dept of Political Science, Spring 2009

Prof. Nicole Watts

Photo: N.F. Watts

Osman Baydemir campaigning for mayor of the city of Diyarbakir, southeast Turkey, spring '04.

Essential Class Materials

bullet Syllabus
bulletStudy Guide for Exam #1
bulletStudy Guide for Exam #2
bulletFun exam review game (more technical sorts of questions than the exam! Use the study guide primarily!)
bulletGuidelines for RPIC Congress May 5-7
bulletRPIC #1
bulletRPIC #2
bulletRPIC #2a-#4
bulletFinal RPIC assignment (paper) description 2009
bulletFinal RPIC peace plan for the class, May 2009
bullet Guidelines for analytical notes
bulletRobert's rules of engagement.

Lecture Notes

bulletOverview of Political Regimes in the MENA
bulletIntro to Islam
bulletPre-20th century MENA politics (Ottoman Empire)
bulletColonialism and Responses
bulletTurkey: Tensions and Paradoxes
bulletKey political players in Turkey's politics
bulletKey players in Iraq through 2003
bulletContemporary Politics in Iraq (2009)
bulletPal-Israeli Conflict and Politics background
bulletNew players and contexts in Palestinian & Israeli Politics (1960s etc)
bulletOslo, second intifada and key players (2009)
bulletShas Party (by Brittany)

Useful Primary Sources

bullet Theodor Herzl, The Jewish State (1896) (complete version)
bullet The Husayn-McMahon Correspondence (excerpts)
bulletThe Balfour Declaration (1917)
bulletThe British White Paper of 1939

 Geography Quiz materials

bulletList of places to know
bulletLink to blank outline maps (Click on 'maps' tab at right side of page; then scroll down and look for Southwest Asia/North Africa)
bulletLink to U. of Texas map collection

Discussion Questions

bulletEdward Said, Roger Owen, Lisa Anderson questions

Extra Credit Opportunities

bulletInstructions for Extra Credit: Write a half-page response to the event that includes: a) at least two points or argument made by the speaker (or one of the speakers); b) at least two things you learned from the talk that you did not know before; and c) an evaluation of the speaker's main points. You will receive 1-2 extra credit points per event for a maximum of 6 extra credit points per student per semester.

Other class materials

bulletHow to read a political science text (tips)

Other Links

bulletLink back to Nicole's home page