Problems of development in the Middle East and North Africa
- Course Code:
- 15PDSH019
- Unit value:
- 0.5
- Taught in:
- Term 1
This course aims at providing a basic knowledge of the main predicaments facing development in the broader Middle East and North Africa region (MENA, defined as the area encompassing all members of the League of Arab States, with Iran, Israel and Turkey). It follows the sequence of historical development: an assessment of the key features of pre-industrial society in the area and of the impact of European imperial domination sets the scene for contrasting responses to the challenge of modernity in the 20th century. The major ideological undercurrents produced by this confrontation are examined: adaptation to and rejection of modernity within Islam; the rise of populist nationalism and the ‘socialist’ radicalisation of ‘developmentalist’ regimes. Against the background of the ‘oil shock’, MENA experienced economic liberalisation before the age of ‘globalisation’ with very limited political liberalisation, if any. The post-Cold War U.S. war drive turned the region into the central arena of the so-called ‘clash of civilisations’. The region’s overall very weak long-term growth performance—except Israel and Turkey—points to massive structural problems that the course will outline. MENA presents a remarkable and fascinating illustration of all key problems of development and underdevelopment.
Objectives and learning outcomes of the course
By the end of this course students should be able to demonstrate:
- Familiarity with the complexities and peculiarities of the MENA region
- An ability to investigate the historical roots of the region’s developmental problems
- The capacity to assess the relevance of cultural explanations
- An ability to ponder the relative weight of endogenous and exogenous hindrances to development
- The capacity to identify and analyse the region’s major political currents and their attitudes toward development issues
- Evaluation of the main problems facing economic growth and social modernisation in the region.
Workload
Teaching takes place through a weekly 2 hour lecture and 1 hour tutorial.
Method of assessment
70% examination, 30% coursework. Each student will be expected to submit one essay of no more than 3000 words, worth 30%. Resubmission of coursework regulations apply.
