The program is designed to deepen students' understanding of contemporary political science and enhance their methodological competence and learning skills in this field. By engaging with major debates in contemporary political thought, students will develop analytical and critical thinking, and acquire advanced research and writing skills. By the end of the course, students will be critically aware of the core issues and rival positions in contemporary political thought, and able to show evidence of critical-analytical skills in applying theories to modern Arab and Middle Eastern politics. The unique training provided by the program should additionally encourage students to challenge and improve accepted international approaches with reference to Arab experiences, using their own research and perspectives on the issues. The resulting sound theoretical grounding and practical training will qualify students to become competent postgraduate-level researchers in the fields of Comparative Politics and International Relations.
Political Science Program Learning Outcomes:
1. Demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the theoretical, conceptual, and methodological frameworks underpinning political science.
2. Identify the core challenges and contemporary debates within the discipline and its respective subfields.
3. Situate the main concepts and theories in the discipline within their historical, cultural, and socioeconomic contexts, and critically evaluate the politics of the Arab world in relation to them.
4. Formulate logically coherent, evidence-based arguments relevant to complex contemporary political challenges.
5. Design, conduct and present innovative research, incorporating qualitative and/or quantitative research methods to explain political phenomena.
6. Assess the effects and policy implications of global, regional, and national developments using the tools of theoretical and empirical analysis commonly used in the field of politics and international relations.
7. Effectively communicate ideas, theories and issues related to politics and international relations to diverse audiences.