–What does the term the Middle East stand for? The middle of what? East of what? Is there a formal boundary of the region? If yes, what is it? If not, why do the areas included in the region change so often? –Do a quick internet search on the phrase “personal is political.” What does it mean? Focus on the debate we had in the class regarding veiling and discuss how it fits the “personal is political” framework.–Why does authoritarianism persist in the region? What are the challenges to it from civil society and grassroot organizations? Give examples.–What is political Islam? Select a country and discuss how political Islam reshaped its institutions.–Why does this region produce highest numbers of refugees and internally displaced people? What are the problems refugees face and what solutions do you propose to overcome these problems?–5 pages (double space) with an additional page for citations.
