Middle East

06Jan 2022 by

The objectives of the assignment are to assess mastery and comprehension of course readings and the Course Objectives, in particular: 

CO 1 Explain the root causes of contemporary political, economic, and religious challenges to regional security and stability in the Middle East

CO3 Evaluate the impact of the Shia-Sunni divide on regional stability

This assignment consists of two questions. You should answer both questions fully. Your responses should be 2-3 pages in length per question (double spaced, Times 12pt. font). In answering the questions you should rely exclusively on the course readings and lesson notes. Provide citations in the appropriate Turabian format. Upload the assignment as a single world document titled: lastname#midterm. 

Questions:1. Drawing from the readings of Week 1-3, discuss the factors and historical contingencies that have shaped modern Middle Eastern states. The answers should include both local and external aspects and discuss specific examples. 
2. Two Week 4 readings offer critiques of the manner in which sectarianism is often defined and deployed in analyses. What are the arguments about sectarianism? What are the strengths and shortcomings? Support your answer by engaging with all the Week 4 sources and use examples.