79-307 Religion and Politics in the Middle East

9 units, Carnegie Mellon University

This course looks at the historic relationship among Islam, Judaism and Christianity and what they have to say about the nature of government, the states treatment of religious minorities, and relations among states in the Middle East. We will consider the impact of religion on domestic and foreign policy in selected Middle Eastern countries and communities, the role of religion in fueling conflicts, the phenomenon of religious fundamentalism, the challenge and opportunity this presents to the United States, and the potential for religion to help advance Middle East peace. Over the course of the semester student teams will research and produce updates as to where religion and politics seem to be intersecting in the states we have been studying.

Prerequisites: none listed

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