POL434

Identify the countries that constitute the Arab Peninsula and their location on the map.

Discuss and explain the history and basic elements of Islam as a religion and as it relates to the politics of Arab Peninsula countries.

Analyze and explain the role of the British Empire in shaping the politics of the modern Arab Peninsula.

Analyze and explain the role of tribalism and the oil industry in shaping the politics of the Arab Peninsula countries and compare resulting state policies.

Evaluate the general patterns of rulership and government that run across the Arab peninsula countries (family rule, rentier state, tension between traditionalism and development, Sunni-Shiite tensions).

Analyze the unique role and position of Saudi Arabia not only in the Arab Peninsula but around the whole Muslim world.

Articulate and critique the strategic interest and relationship that the United States has with the Arab Peninsula countries.