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INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS (ENGLISH) PROGRAMME
COURSE DESCRIPTION
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| Name of the Course Unit
| Code
| Year
| Semester
| In-Class Hours (T+P)
| Credit
| ECTS Credit
|
| MIDDLE EAST POLITICS |
INR208 |
2 |
4 |
3+0 |
3.0 |
6.0 |
| General Information |
| Language of Instruction |
English |
| Level of the Course Unit |
Bachelor's Degree, TYYÇ: Level 6, EQF-LLL: Level 6, QF-EHEA: First Cycle |
| Type of the Course |
Programme Elective |
| Mode of Delivery of the Course Unit |
Face-to-face |
| Work Placement(s) Requirement for the Course Unit |
Yes |
| Coordinator of the Course Unit |
Dr. SİNA KISACIK |
| Instructor(s) of the Course Unit |
Dr. SİNA KISACIK
|
| Assistant(s) of the Course Unit |
|
| Prerequisites and/or co-requisities of the course unit |
| CATEGORY OF THE COURSE UNIT |
|---|
| Category of the Course Unit |
Degree of Contribution (%) |
| Fundamental Course in the field |
% 20 |
| Course providing specialised skills to the main field |
% 20 |
| Course providing supportive skills to the main field |
% 20 |
| Course providing humanistic, communication and management skills |
% 20 |
| Course providing transferable skills |
% 20 |
| Objectives and Contents |
| Objectives of the Course Unit |
Course Description:
The Land Domination Theory, Naval Domination Theory and Air Domination Theory are frequently benefited in the geographical descriptions of Heartland-Kalpgah-Rimland. Among these geographies, one of the leading ones has always principally remained the Middle East for many centuries. In addition to its inclusion of the regions accepted as the coming into fruit or emerging of three great & holy regions, multiplicity of ethnic and cultural structures positioned in this region, the positioning of critically significant trade routes in terms of world commercial life within this geography also named as Middle East North Africa (MENA) remain among the top reasons that not only the regional powers but also outer-regional powers constantly concentrate and keep alive their attentions towards this region.
For many centuries, the empires and modern nation-states that have been prioritizing to establish dominations over the world politics, economy as well as socio-cultural systems have concentrated on their efforts on the struggle on controlling this region accompanied by the reasoning that controlling the Middle East does constitute one of the core points of the world dominance.
Also in today’s world, even if this status quo changes, it is intensively continuing its presence. Not only the leading regional states principally Türkiye, Iran, Saudi Arabia) but also such outer-regional great countries namely Russia, China and USA are competing with each other on executing wide range policies including hard power and soft power elements and therefore building up influence in the MENA region. It is envisaged that in addition to the continuation of protracted crises in the MENA over the rest of the world, the prominence of the MENA Region will also further continue to increase thanks to this regional segment’s inclusion of natural richnesses as well as religious, trade ways.
By taking into account this context, the domestic / foreign political, economic and security policies of the MENA Region will be analysed by focusing on unique case studies starting from 1991. In this course, it is objected that the students will have an in-depth knowledge of political, economic and social parameters that are highly influential on the people of the MENA as well as on the states & regions that are indirectly impacted on the developments within the MENA in the contemporary world. By this way at the end of the course, it is also intended that the students may follow the considerable developments within the MENA Region in a more understandable and comfortable way.
Course Objectives:
1. To introduce students to the geographical structures as well as the races of ethnic groups within the Middle East and North Africa.
2. To gain insight on how the political, socio-economic systems in the Middle East North Africa are functioning.
3. To comprehend the internal and external factors that are effective over the formulation and implementation of the foreign and security policies of the MENA countries within the 21st century.
4. To examine the significance of energy for the MENA Region in terms of conducting bilateral relations with other states.
5. To evaluate the noteworthy bilateral, organizational and multilateral relations within the context of the MENA Regional Countries’ foreign and security policies through separate case studies.
6. To comprehend in detail how the MENA Region does position itself in terms of world politics and economics.
|
| Contents of the Course Unit |
Introduction of the Course & Societal, Political, and Security Implications of the Arab Spring in the Middle East
The Resilience of the Assad Regime: An Assessment on the Syrian Civil War after More than a Decade
Lebanon: Sectarian Division Revisited within the Frame of the Regional Competition between Iran and Saudi Arabia
Mediation in Qatar’s Foreign Policy: Drivers, Features, and Outcomes
Iran: What Does the Conservative Turn Mean about the Foreign Policy Implications?
Iraq in-between Two Powers: A Critical Overview of Internal Unbalance and a New War?
The United Arab Emirates: A Rising Regional Stakeholder in the Gulf
Mid-term Examination
Yemen: Sectarian Division and a Proxy War & Rethinking Palestine after the Arab Uprisings
Emerging Triangle in the Hydropolitics of the Euphrates and Tigris Basin: The Tigris Sub-Hydropolitical Security Complex between Turkey, Iran, and Iraq
Theory, Practice, and Paradoxes of Neo-Ottomanism in Turkish Foreign Policy
The Eastern Mediterranean as a Geopolitical Space in Turkish Foreign Policy & Turkish Foreign Policy towards Israel: A Neorealist Account
Can North Africa Become a Possible Saviour of Afro-Eurasian Energy Security
General Revision of the Course
Final Examination
|
| Contribution of the Course Intending to Provide the Professional Education |
Learning Objectives:
1. Comprehending the geographical formation, administrative structure, the races of ethnic groups residing in the MENA Region. To know the MENA Region much better.
2. The influential factors on the designing and implementation of MENA Regional Countries’ domestic policies & foreign policies & security policies.
3. Recognizing the fundamental components of political-economic mechanisms within the MENA Regional Countries. To acquire more and better knowledge on ideological and factors and policies that are effective over the MENA Countries since 1990s and 2000s.
4. Examine the impacts of energy resources over external foreign, security and economic relations of the MENA Countries within the 21st century.
5. In-depth examination of foreign and security policy doctrines developed by the MENA Countries since 2000s.
6. Identify the influence of national identity and diaspora issues over MENA Countries’ foreign and security policies.
7. How the political, social and economic system are organized within the MENA Regional Countries in general? president is able to control whole system in the People’s Republic of China?
8. Examine the influence of arms sales on foreign, security and economic policies of the MENA Regional Countries within the 21st century.
9. Investigate in detail the MENA Regional Countries’ foreign and security policy priorities through various case studies such as its relations with Türkiye, Russian Federation, People’s Republic of China European Union, Eastern Mediterranean and so on.
10. Set Forth how the MENA Regional Countries’ currently positions itself in within the context of noteworthy issues in the international relations.
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No
|
Key Learning Outcomes of the Course Unit
On successful completion of this course unit, students/learners will or will be able to:
|
| 1 |
Explain the geographical, political, and socio-economic characteristics of the Middle East-North Africa (MENA) region. | | 2 |
Analyze the internal and external factors shaping foreign and security policies of MENA states. | | 3 |
Analyze the role of energy resources and strategic interests in regional and international relations. | | 4 |
Evaluate bilateral, multilateral, and institutional relations of MENA countries through case studies. | | 5 |
Assess the impact of regional and global power competition on political dynamics in the MENA region. | | 6 |
Apply theoretical approaches in International Relations to interpret contemporary developments in the MENA region. | | 7 |
- | | 8 |
- | | 9 |
- | | 10 |
- |
| Weekly Course Contents and Study Materials for Preliminary & Further Study |
| Week |
Topics (Subjects) |
Preparatory & Further Activities |
| 1 |
Introduction of the Course & Societal, Political, and Security Implications of the Arab Spring in the Middle East |
No file found
|
| 2 |
The Resilience of the Assad Regime: An Assessment on the Syrian Civil War after More than a Decade |
No file found
|
| 3 |
Lebanon: Sectarian Division Revisited within the Frame of the Regional Competition between Iran and Saudi Arabia |
No file found
|
| 4 |
Mediation in Qatar’s Foreign Policy: Drivers, Features, and Outcomes |
No file found
|
| 5 |
Iran: What Does the Conservative Turn Mean about the Foreign Policy Implications? |
No file found
|
| 6 |
Iraq in-between Two Powers: A Critical Overview of Internal Unbalance and a New War? |
No file found
|
| 7 |
Midterm Exam |
No file found
|
| 8 |
The United Arab Emirates: A Rising Regional Stakeholder in the Gulf |
No file found
|
| 9 |
Yemen: Sectarian Division and a Proxy War & Rethinking Palestine after the Arab Uprisings |
No file found
|
| 10 |
Emerging Triangle in the Hydropolitics of the Euphrates and Tigris Basin: The Tigris Sub-Hydropolitical Security Complex between Turkey, Iran, and Iraq |
No file found
|
| 11 |
Theory, Practice, and Paradoxes of Neo-Ottomanism in Turkish Foreign Policy |
No file found
|
| 12 |
The Eastern Mediterranean as a Geopolitical Space in Turkish Foreign Policy & Turkish Foreign Policy towards Israel: A Neorealist Account |
No file found
|
| 13 |
Can North Africa Become a Possible Saviour of Afro-Eurasian Energy Security |
No file found
|
| 14 |
General Revision of the Course
Final Examination |
No file found
|
| SOURCE MATERIALS & RECOMMENDED READING |
|---|
-Main Textbooks: “The Middle East: Crises, Conflicts, and Wars”, Edited by Arda Özkan and Pınar Yürür, Published by Lexington Books, An imprint of The Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group, Inc. 4501 Forbes Boulevard, Suite 200, Lanham, Maryland 20706, 2024.
“The ‘New Turkey’ in the Broader Middle East: Reflections on International Relations Theory”, Editors: Zenonas Tziarras & Oğuzhan Göksel, Palgrave Macmillan, Springer Nature Switzerland AG, 2025.
Further Reading:
“Turkish-French Relations: History, Present, and the Future”, Editors: Aurelien Denizeau & Ozan Örmeci, Springer Nature Switzerland, 2022.
“Türkiye-Britain Relations: Two Hundred Years of an Intertwined Conflict and Cooperation”, Editors: Oğuzhan Göksel & Ozan Örmeci & Gürol Baba, Lanham, Maryland, London, 2024.
“Turkish-American Relations in the 21st Century”, Edited by Herbert R. Reginbogin & Ozan Örmeci, Published by Lexington Books, An imprint of The Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group, Inc., 4501 Forbes Boulevard, Suite 200, Lanham, Maryland 20706, 2025.
“Securitized World Order and New Security Spaces”, Editor: Dr. Tolga Sakman, Ankara: Nobel Akademik Yayıncılık, DİPAM Yayınları, 2024, First Edition.
“Heartland and Rimland: 21st Century’s Geopolitical Thinking in Foreign Policy”, Editors: Ferdi Güçyetmez & Sina Kısacık & Murat Yorulmaz, İstanbul: İdeal Kültür Yayıncılık, December 2024, First Edition.
❖ “Emerging Powers In Indo-Pacific Geopolitics: A Political Approach”, Editors: Ferdi Güçyetmez & Diren Doğan, İstanbul: İdeal Kültür Yayıncılık, March 2024, First Edition.
❖ Daniel Yergin, The New Map: Energy, Climate, and The Clash of Nations, (Great Britain: Allan Lane, 2020). First Edition.
❖ “Ultra-Nationalist Policies of Trump and Reflections in the World”, Editors: Prof. Dr. Mim Kemal Öke and Asst. Prof. Dr. Hanefi Yazıcı, (Berlin: Peter Lang, 2020). First Edition.
❖ “Handbook of Indo-Pacific Studies”, Edited by Barbara Kratiuk, Jeroen J. J. Van den Bosch, Aleksandra Jaskólska and Yoichiro Sato, New York: Routledge, 2023.
“Routledge Handbook of The Belt and Road”, Edited by Cai Fang and Peter Nolan, New York: Routledge, 2019.
❖ Agnia Grigas, The New Geopolitics of Natural Gas, (Cambridge, Massachusetts: Harvard University Press, 2017). First Edition.
Very Important Note: PDF versions and printed versions of some of the abovementioned books will be provided by the instructor throughout the course. Apart from these resources, the instructor will provide newly published academic papers regarding the related contents of the course. The students can also share newly published academic studies within the context of the course throughout the semester. |
| MATERIAL SHARING |
|---|
| Course Notes |
|
Middle East Politics Main Course Text Book 1 |
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Middle East Politics Main Course Text Book 2 |
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| Presentations |
No file found |
| Homework |
No file found |
| Exam Questions & Solutions |
No file found |
| Useful Links |
No file found |
| Video and Visual Materials |
No file found |
| Other |
No file found |
| Announcements |
No file found |
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CONTRIBUTION OF THE COURSE UNIT TO THE PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES
|
|
KNOWLEDGE
|
|
Theoretical
|
| No |
PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES |
LEVEL OF CONTRIBUTION* |
| 0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
| 1 |
Students will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the historical evolution, core concepts, and major theoretical approaches in international relations and political science. | | | | | | X |
| 2 |
Students will acquire knowledge of global political, economic, and legal structures, as well as contemporary international issues and processes. | | | | | | X |
| 3 |
Students will develop a deep understanding of different theoretical debates and analytical perspectives within international relations. | | | | | X | |
|
SKILLS
|
|
Cognitive
|
| No |
PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES |
LEVEL OF CONTRIBUTION* |
| 0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
| 1 |
Students will apply international relations theories and political science concepts in different analytical and academic contexts using appropriate terminology. | | | | | X | |
| 2 |
Students will analyse contemporary international problems and global political developments through relevant theoretical and conceptual frameworks. | | | | | X | |
| 3 |
Students will develop critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and problem-solving skills in evaluating political and international phenomena. | | | | | X | |
| 4 |
Students will be able to prepare structured academic reports and analyses in accordance with academic and professional standards. | | | | | X | |
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PERSONAL & OCCUPATIONAL COMPETENCES IN TERMS OF EACH OF THE FOLLOWING GROUPS
|
|
Autonomy & Responsibility
|
| No |
PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES |
LEVEL OF CONTRIBUTION* |
| 0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
| 1 |
Students will conduct independent research, develop original arguments, and take responsibility for their academic work. | | | | | | X |
| 2 |
Students will apply their knowledge ethically, demonstrating awareness of social, environmental, and global responsibilities. | | | | | X | |
|
Learning to Learn
|
| No |
PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES |
LEVEL OF CONTRIBUTION* |
| 0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
| 1 |
Students will develop a lifelong learning perspective, enabling them to follow and evaluate new theoretical approaches and developments in the field. | | | | | | X |
| 2 |
Students will acquire the skills necessary for further academic study and continuous professional development. | | | | | X | |
|
Communication & Social
|
| No |
PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES |
LEVEL OF CONTRIBUTION* |
| 0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
| 1 |
Students will communicate their ideas effectively in both their native language and at least one foreign language in academic and professional contexts. | | | X | | | |
| 2 |
Students will actively participate in academic discussions and collaborative learning environments. | | | | | X | |
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Occupational and/or Vocational
|
| No |
PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES |
LEVEL OF CONTRIBUTION* |
| 0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
| 1 |
Students will develop the competencies required for careers in diplomacy, public administration, international organisations, and related professional fields. | | | | | | X |
| 2 |
Students will be able to apply analytical and research skills in professional and policy-oriented contexts. | | | | | X | |
| *Level of Contribution (0-5): Empty-Null (0), 1- Very Low, 2- Low, 3- Medium, 4- High, 5- Very High |
No
|
Key Learning Outcomes of the Course Unit
On successful completion of this course unit, students/learners will or will be able to:
|
PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES |
| 1 |
Explain the geographical, political, and socio-economic characteristics of the Middle East-North Africa (MENA) region. | 1 (4), 2 (4), 3 (3), 4 (4), 5 (4), 6 (3), 7 (3), 8 (4), 9 (2), 10 (4), 11 (3), 12 (1), 13 (2), 14 (5), 15 (4) | | 2 |
Analyze the internal and external factors shaping foreign and security policies of MENA states. | 1 (4), 2 (4), 3 (3), 4 (4), 5 (4), 6 (3), 7 (3), 8 (4), 9 (2), 10 (4), 11 (3), 12 (1), 13 (2), 14 (5), 15 (4) | | 3 |
Analyze the role of energy resources and strategic interests in regional and international relations. | 1 (4), 2 (4), 3 (3), 4 (4), 5 (4), 6 (3), 7 (3), 8 (4), 9 (2), 10 (4), 11 (3), 12 (1), 13 (2), 14 (5), 15 (4) | | 4 |
Evaluate bilateral, multilateral, and institutional relations of MENA countries through case studies. | 1 (4), 2 (4), 3 (3), 4 (4), 5 (4), 6 (3), 7 (3), 8 (4), 9 (2), 10 (4), 11 (3), 12 (1), 13 (2), 14 (5), 15 (4) | | 5 |
Assess the impact of regional and global power competition on political dynamics in the MENA region. | 1 (4), 2 (4), 3 (3), 4 (4), 5 (4), 6 (3), 7 (3), 8 (4), 9 (2), 10 (4), 11 (3), 12 (1), 13 (2), 14 (5), 15 (4) | | 6 |
Apply theoretical approaches in International Relations to interpret contemporary developments in the MENA region. | 1 (3), 2 (3), 3 (3), 4 (3), 5 (3), 6 (3), 7 (3), 8 (3), 9 (2), 10 (3), 11 (3), 12 (1), 13 (2), 14 (5), 15 (4) |
| Assessment |
| Assessment & Grading of In-Term Activities |
Number ofActivities |
Degree of Contribution (%) |
| Mid-Term Exam |
1 |
% 25 |
| Computer Based Presentation |
0 |
- |
| Short Exam |
0 |
- |
| Presentation of Report |
0 |
- |
| Homework Assessment |
1 |
% 25 |
| Oral Exam |
0 |
- |
| Presentation of Thesis |
0 |
- |
| Presentation of Document |
0 |
- |
| Expert Assessment |
0 |
- |
| Board Exam |
0 |
- |
| Practice Exam |
0 |
- |
| Year-End Final Exam |
1 |
% 50 |
| Internship Exam |
0 |
- |
| TOTAL |
3 |
%100 |
|---|
|
| Contribution of In-Term Assessments to Overall Grade |
3 |
%50 |
| Contribution of Final Exam to Overall Grade |
1 |
%50 |
| TOTAL |
4 |
%100 |
| WORKLOAD & ECTS CREDITS OF THE COURSE UNIT |
|---|
| Workload for Learning & Teaching Activities |
|---|
| Type of the Learning Activites |
Learning Activities
(# of week) |
Duration(hours, h) |
Workload (h) |
| Lecture & In-Class Activities |
14 |
3 |
42 |
| Preliminary & Further Study |
14 |
3 |
42 |
| Land Surveying |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Group Work |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Laboratory |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Reading |
14 |
4 |
56 |
| Assignment (Homework) |
1 |
2 |
2 |
| Project Work |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Seminar |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Internship |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Technical Visit |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Web Based Learning |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Implementation/Application/Practice |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Practice at a workplace |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Occupational Activity |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Social Activity |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Thesis Work |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Field Study |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Report Writing |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Total Workload for Learning & Teaching Activities |
- |
- |
142 |
| Workload for Assessment Activities |
|---|
| Type of the Assessment Activites |
# of Assessment Activities
|
Duration(hours, h) |
Workload (h) |
| Final Exam |
1 |
2 |
2 |
| Preparation for the Final Exam |
1 |
2 |
2 |
| Mid-Term Exam |
1 |
2 |
2 |
| Preparation for the Mid-Term Exam |
1 |
2 |
2 |
| Short Exam |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Preparation for the Short Exam |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Total Workload for Assessment Activities |
- |
- |
8 |
|
|---|
| Total Workload of the Course Unit |
- |
- |
150 |
| Workload (h) / 25.5 |
|
5.9 |
| ECTS Credits allocated for the Course Unit |
|
6.0 |
|
