OCMO 2095 - States and Social Transformation in the Arab World

***UPDATED for 2025/26***

This course focuses on the state and state-society relations in the contemporary Arab World. Putting the broader theories of the state in conversation with the social realities of the Arab world, it discusses the conditions in which a particular model of state emerged in the Arab region in the colonial and post-colonial periods (19th and 20th centuries), as a result of both external influences and internal factors. It discusses some of the features of this model (at the levels of authoritarian politics, shifting economics, ideological challenges, etc.) and shows how Arab states and state-society relations have been transformed over the past few decades. The course explains why, despite chronic legitimacy issues, the Arab states and regimes have been so resilient throughout the 20th century, and why, with the ‘Arab revolutions' of 2011, some of them have eventually been shaken. It finally evokes the consequences of these upheavals.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

• Acquire knowledge on Middle Eastern politics, with the ability to make better sense of what one reads in the news
• Acquire comparative tools and knowledge to think of the state in different (Western/non-Western) contexts
• Acquire a better understanding of Arab revolutions, their causes and their outcomes

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS

Research and Analysis

Critical Thinking

Creative Thinking

Some basic knowledge of Middle Eastern politics

During optional individual meetings at the end of the semester

There are two options.

Option 1:

A/ A take-home exam. The exam will take place at the end of the term (exact dates to be determined). 50% of the final grade.

B/ A final paper (4000 to 5000 words). Must include footnotes and a small bibliography. A one-paragraph description of the proposed topic must be submitted by e-mail before 15 February 2023. 50% of the final grade.

Option 2:

A/ A take-home exam. The exam will take place at the end of the term (exact dates to be determined). 70% of the final grade.

B/ A book review (around 2000 words). The book should be chosen within the general bibliography attached to the syllabus (p. 9-11). The book review should consist of a summary (about half of the total content) and a discussion of the book (for instance putting it into perspective with some of the themes discussed in class, other scholarly arguments, possible comparisons, current events, etc.). In this discussion, you may choose to focus on one specific aspect or idea in the book. 30% of the final grade.

• In Class Presence: 2 hours a week / 24 hours a semester
• Online learning activities: 0 hours a week / 0 hours a semester
• Reading and Preparation for Class: 2-3 hours a week / 24-36 hours a semester
• Research and Preparation for Group Work: 0 hours a week / 0 hours a semester
• Research and Writing for Individual Assessments: 2 hours a week / 24 hours a semester