Course details
- DepartmentDepartment of International Relations
- Application codeSS-IR160
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Overview
This course examines the contemporary Middle East with an emphasis on how new power dynamics are reshaping the region's pre-existing cleavages.
It covers a range of substantive topics and issues, such as: the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians and Arab-Israeli relations; the influence of non-state actors such as Hamas and Hizbullah; and regional balances between Saudi Arabia and Iran.
It dives deeply into domestic political developments, including those that have emerged in the decade since the "Arab Spring." More broadly, it places the region at the intersection of global and local politics, examining the roles played by the United States, Russia, and the European Union.
Throughout, students will be challenged to think through the difficult circumstances and dilemmas that decision-makers face in the region and beyond. Thus the course will enable students to situate, contextualise, and understand the latest developments within the Middle East.
Key information
Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for this course.
Level: 100 level. Read more information on levels in our FAQs
Fees: Please see Fees and payments
Lectures: 36 hours
Classes: 18 hours
Assessment: One examination and one essay
Typical credit: 3-4 credits (US) 7.5 ECTS points (EU)
Please note: Assessment is optional but may be required for credit by your home institution. Your home institution will be able to advise how you can meet their credit requirements. For more information on exams and credit, read Teaching and assessment
Is this course right for you?
The course is suited to students looking for a better understanding of the complex history of Middle Eastern politics and its current position in international relations.
Outcomes
Students will gain a grounding in the development of international relations of the Middle East so as to enable them to relate events to analytic issues in the study of International Relations.
Content
The fundamentals of my course are covered at my home institution, but the summer school course gives me an extra breadth into how the industry works. It’s been a really good experience in diversifying my skill set.
Faculty
The design of this course is guided by LSE faculty, as well as industry experts, who will share their experience and in-depth knowledge with you throughout the course.
Dr Katerina Dalacoura
Associate Professor in International Relations
Professor Amnon Aran
Visiting Professor
Department
The LSE Department of International Relations is one of the oldest and largest of its kind in the world and remains a leading centre for the subject. It ranked 2nd in the UK and 4th in the world in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023 tables for Politics and International Studies.
LSE International Relations teachers have world-class expertise in their specialist fields. Our faculty advise government agencies, multilateral institutions, NGOs, think tanks and the media on the most critical issues – from economic and environmental policies to counter-terrorism and foreign policy. From foundation level to advanced courses, students build real-world skills and gain exposure to critical issues, questions and state-of-the-art thinking on the most relevant topics in the field.
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Apply
Applications are open
We are accepting applications. Apply early to avoid disappointment.