Master of Arts in Middle Eastern Studies
Multilingual
Courses
Specialization
MES605The Middle East and Europe: Issues and Challenges in Trans-Mediterranean Relations
3 credits
The course is intended to provide an analysis of the evolution of the complex relations of interdependence between the Middle East and Europe. It focuses particularly on the development of the multilateral structures of cooperation between the two regions such as the Euro Arab Dialogue, the Euro Mediterranean Partnership known as the Barcelona Process, and the Union For the
Mediterranean plus other smaller structures of cooperation. The course addresses the context, the factors, and the constraints that shaped the creation and the functioning of these different structures of cooperation. The course addresses also the different challenges facing the Middle East and Europe since the coming of the "Arab Spring" and the implications of these challenges for the Trans Mediterranean relations in the political security economic and cultural fields.
MES610Comparative Study of Political Systems in the Middle East
3 credits
This course addresses the typology of political systems in the region: the structure of power and the issue of legitimacy; its sources and its future, the evolution of the relations of the regime and the state and the issue of regime stability and its performance.
MES615Contemporary History of the Middle East
3 credits
This course addresses the politics of state building in the Middle East and its repercussions on the current issues in the region. It also addresses the wars and crises that shaped the emergence and the development of the Middle East order and the role of external as well as regional actors in these developments.
MES620Political Thought and Ideologies in the Middle East
3 credits
The course traces the formation, development and influence of the main ideologies from nationalism to Islamism that shaped and influenced the history of the Middle East as well as the role of these ideologies in current regional politics.
MES625Economic and Development Issues in the Middle East
3 credits
This course offers an insight into the key economic and developmental challenges facing the states in the region and their political and other repercussions on Middle Eastern societies. It offers a perspective on the different obstacles facing the many proposals for economic integration in the region.
Core Courses
DIS535Foreign Policy Analysis
3 credits
The seminar focuses on the comparative study of foreign policy. It addresses the foreign policies of Great Powers, medium sized Powers and regional Powers. It starts by a theoretical and empirical analysis of the decision making system in these countries, as well as the patterns of foreign policies.
The comparative analysis is also focused on the elements shaping FP decision making and conduct of foreign policy (the different components of the external and internal factors shaping the decision making). Particular emphasis will be put on their foreign policies in the Middle East.
DIS560Diplomatic Management of Energy Security in the Middle East
3 credits
This course focuses on oil and gas policies in the region and the role these sources of energy and others played in shaping and influencing the regional agenda, the configuration of power in the region and the international politics of the Middle East. It also addresses the different impact on the oil producing states, mainly the emergence of rentier economies.
MES600Regional Dynamics and Current Issues in the Middle East
3 credits
This seminar course is intended to provide an analysis of the regional system and the international relations of the Middle East. We will examine the genealogy and the main features of the regional system: level of analysis, regional security complex, the revival of subnational and transnational ideologies, the emergence of the role of non-state actors in regional politics and conflict situations, the geopolitical dynamics of the Arab Spring, the increasing role and weight of non-Arab regional powers (Turkey, Iran, etc.), the new patterns of competition between major powers (Russia, U.S., etc.), and the geo-sectarian competition between Iran and Saudi Arabia. In the second part, the course will cover specific regional challenges like the refugees, food security and water scarcity and energy security in the Middle East. The course will finalize with an assessment concerning the
future perspectives for Lebanon within the geopolitics of the Middle East.
POL505Methodology of Writing and Research in Political Science
3 credits
This course is devoted to issues of political science research, from theoretical and methodological points of view, and it proposes to revisit the major themes that characterize the discipline. What are the main research areas favored by political scientists today? What are the theoretical implications? What impact can political science research have on the societies studied?
RIN548Multilateral Diplomacy in International and Regional Organizations
3 credits
International organizations mainly the UN and regional organizations like the League of Arab States the European Union among others play an increasingly important role in the world and in different regions. This course offers students insights and practical knowledge about the conduct of multilateral diplomacy in different fields with particular focus on the Middle East.
Capstone
MES680AMaster Thesis
6 credits
The student prepares a research paper under the direction of a Master’s teacher and defends it before a jury composed of three teachers, at least two of whom are part of the Master’s teaching team.
Mission
The Higher Institute of Political and Administrative Sciences aims to train future officials in public administration and civil society, who are mindful of community spirit and ethics. The Institute contains three multidisciplinary educational fields, those of political sciences, international relations and public administration. These aim to:
- Provide students with a specialized education in political sciences, thus giving them access to a professional life.
-Develop the students’ analytical and synthesis spirit, thus enabling them to understand national and international issues.
- Prepare students to follow a specialized higher education curriculum.
Program Educational Objectives
1. Graduates will formulate original, critical responses to the arguments/theses advanced by the instructor during the lectures, their fellow students’ presentations, and the assigned readings.
2. Graduates will structure these responses in their own original research paper with proper argumentation.
3. Graduates will evaluate different arguments and independently assess their merits and shortcomings.
4. Graduates will enhance both their oral and written skills and conduct autonomous research drawing from a plethora of sources.
Program Outcomes
a. Students will understand the main determinants of regional powers’ and great powers’ foreign policies toward the Middle East.
b. Students will understand the historical roots of controversial issues and ongoing debates, including Arab-Israeli conflict and power competition.
c. Students will assess the political economy of Arab states and the impact of rentierism on their sociopolitical structure.
d. Students will understand new dynamics at play in the post-Arab revolutions Middle East, including the role of NGOs, civil society and the media, the rise of transnational non-state actors like Daech and the Kurds, and the return of the “deep state”.