The aim of the course is to examine the utility of theoretical concepts, perspectives and approaches to the understanding of lived experiences in Middle Eastern societies. The student will examine a broad range of theoretical traditions and their application to studying the region. In addition to examining a series of theoretical perspectives, the student will also examine how Middle Eastern Studies, as a form of area studies, can contribute to disciplinary approaches and theoretical frameworks within the social sciences. The course will cover prominent empirical analyses into major themes such as social organization, inequalities, cultural narratives, and globalization. In doing so, the course stimulates reflections on how theory informs different research questions and methodological approaches and how evidence-based reasoning differs from common-sense approaches.

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