In order to understand Middle Eastern politics, an understanding of Arab culture and societal organization is essential. Intra-Arab conflicts play key roles in determining the regional political scene. Students should emerge from this course with a multi-faceted understanding of peace and conflict in the region.

Specifically, this course will address the impact of cultural and societal factors on conflict resolution and management, focusing on case studies across the Middle Eastern region. The well-publicized Arab-Israeli conflict will be addressed from multiple perspectives by experts with direct negotiation experience. Alternative dispute resolution techniques used in some inter- and intra-tribal conflicts will be examined, as well as some of the lesser-known but critical conflicts in Lebanon, Yemen, or Iraq.

STUDY TOURS AND POSSIBLE EXCURSIONS

• Amman City Tour - The Amman City Tour shows you different areas in Amman that will be of interest to you while you are staying in Jordan. The areas covered include Abdoun, 4th to 1st Circle, Rainbow Street, Downtown, the Citadel, Jabal Al-Hussein, Medical City Street, the Roman Amphitheater and the Citadel. 
• Umm Qais and Jerash - Umm Qais features Ottoman buildings and architecture situated high on a ridge overlooking the Sea of Galilee, the Golan Heights and the River Jordan. Jerash is one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities in the Middle East with amazing ruins remaining of temples, agora, and colonnaded streets. 
• Excursion to the South - This includes Wadi Rum in the desert of Rum and the ancient city of Petra, one of Jordan’s national treasures and by far its best-known tourist attraction

Example syllabus, subject to change. Final syllabus will be provided on arrival in Amman.