INTR 110 Geopolitics, Religion, and Oil: The Case of Iraq and Iran (Same as International Studies 101 and Political Science 258) (Not offered 2008-2009; to be offered 2009-2010)

INST 101 Geopolitics, Religion, and Oil: The Case of Iraq and Iran (Same as INTR 110 and Political Science 258) (Not offered 2008-2009; to be offered 2009-2010)
The United States' continuing and troubled attempt to remake the Persian Gulf region provides an occasion for critical reflection on the questions asked and tools available from the International Studies perspective for understanding other nations and regions. This course will examine aspects of the cultural, political, economic and technological dimensions of the nations of Iraq and Iran. The course will begin with a consideration of the history, religions, and societies of these two neighbors as well as the specific features of an oil rentier economy. The course will then turn to the recent experiences of these two nations in the international arena including strategies of sanctions, regime change and democratization prosecuted primarily by the United States. We will pay special attention to the assumptions about the role and character of the state, the character of civil society and the processes of economic and cultural globalization that lie behind these strategies.
Format: lecture/discussion. Evaluation will be based on two short papers and a final research paper.
No prerequisites. Enrollment limit: 40 (expected: 40). Preference given to first year students and sophomores.
DARROW and MACDONALD

INST 101(F) Asia and the World (Same as Asian Studies 201 and Political Science 100)
Asia looms large in contemporary world politics: Japan is gradually assuming an expanded regional national security role; The People's Republic of China is emerging as a multifaceted Great Power; India is challenged by rising ethno-nationalism. This course will explore both the historical background and current dynamics of political and economic issues in these three countries, drawing on themes of imperialism, nationalism, and globalization. It is an introductory class and, therefore, no prior coursework in political science or Asian studies is necessary.
Format: predominately lecture. Requirements: two short papers and a final exam.
No prerequisites. Enrollment limit: 60 (expected: 60).
Hour: CRANE

INST 101(S) The Greater Game? Central Asia and its Neighbors Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow (Same as History 216 and Religion 236)
The collapse of the Soviet Union, the recognition of untapped mineral wealth, and Islamic resurgence have all led to an increased focus on Central Asia and its neighbors, Russia, China, the Middle East. This course will be an introduction to the Caucasus, the Central Asian Republics, Xinjiang and Mongolia and the interests of their neighbors, including now the United States in those areas. This will be a lecture course that will introduce the salient themes and issues that are necessary for understanding these areas. The course will inevitably be deeply comparative focusing on themes of "the clash of civilizations," the construction of national identities, notions of ethnicity and the treatment of ethnic minorities, resurgent religious movements, and the relation of state and civil society. This course will also function as an introduction to doing social scientific research on these areas and special attention will be devoted to the preparation of a research paper.
Format: lecture/discussion. Requirements: weekly responses, three short essays (4-6 pages), and one research paper (12-15 pages).
No prerequisites. Enrollment limit: 30 (expected: 15). Preference given to first-year students and sophomores.
Hour: DARROW