Understanding the dynamics of the Middle East: Turkish Politics since the early republican period
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.
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Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
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What is the course about?
This course examines the evolution of Turkish politics from the early republican period to the present, focusing on its impact on the Middle East.
The class is taught live on Zoom.
To access the live class you will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook). Please note a tablet or smart phone is not suitable for this class. The screen size is too small. It will limit your ability to lipread and participate fully in class.
We will contact you by email with joining instructions before your course starts.
What will we cover?
- Formation of the Turkish Republic
- Kemalism and secularism
- Military coups and political instability
- Economic developments and neoliberalism
- Rise of political Islam
- Contemporary Turkish politics and foreign policy.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Understand the key phases in Turkish political history
- Analyse the impact of political ideologies on Turkey's development
- Evaluate Turkey's role in regional Middle Eastern politics
- Discuss contemporary political challenges in Turkey.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Everyone is welcome and no specific skills are required, but please note this is an intermediate-level course and a grasp of modern history, politics and current affairs will add to your enjoyment of the course.
An ability and willingness to explore relevant shared resources will also increase what you get out of the course.
And, as with most of our history, politics and current affairs courses, an open mind and a respectful willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills.
Given the sensitive nature of some of the topics the course will explore, we also expect everyone to engage group and class discussions with respect and willingness to learn from others.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The course includes lectures, discussions, and case study analyses. Expect readings, essays, and informal research projects based on case studies to be completed outside of class, but these are not compulsory. The most important issue is interactive lessons with in-class participation and you will be encouraged to share your thoughts and ideas during the course.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
No additional costs but you may wish to bring pen and paper or digital equivalent for note taking.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
HPC248 Understanding the dynamics of the Middle East: authoritarianism and democracy
HPC249 Understanding the dynamics of the Middle East: Türkiye, Iran and Saudi Arabia.