POL ATLAS2026–27All coursesDevelopment Studies
POL479H1Winter 2027400-level
Topics in Middle East Politics

State Formation and Authoritarianism in the MENA Region

Development Studies · Diversity & Identity

Development StudiesDiversity & Identity
Session
WinterWinter 2027
Weight
0.50.5 credit (half course)
Standing
OfferedListed for 2026–27
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0later courses on this list
01

The course

The course examines the history and contemporary politics of the Middle East and North Africa region (MENA). Themes examined include: states and state formation in historical perspective, the challenges of post-colonial development, the dynamics of protest in the MENA region, and the resilience of authoritarianism. The course integrates theoretical discussion with comparative case study analysis.
02

The particulars

Texts

There are no required texts — but recommended background texts include Roger Owen, State, Power and Politics in the Making of the Modern Middle East, Steffen Hertog, Locked Out of Development: Insiders and Outsiders in Arab Capitalism, and (eds.) Marc Lynch, Jillian Schwedler, and Sean Yom, The Political Science of the Middle East: Theory and Research Since the Arab Uprisings.

Format & requirements

The course will be organized around a series of weekly article presentations by students followed by discussion. Students will also be required to write an analytical book critique/review as well as a substantial course reflection paper at the end of the term.

Prerequisites

POL201H1/ POL201Y1/ POLB90H3/POLB91H3

Also listed as

POL2418H1S

03

Pathways

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04

Reading the code

POLPolitical ScienceDepartment of Political Science
479400-levelYear of study this course sits in
HHalf course0.5 credit (FCE)
1St. GeorgeDowntown Toronto campus
SWinter sessionSecond term, Jan–Apr 2027