Advanced Topics in Middle East & North African Studies (390-3-3)

Topic

Anthropology of Economic Sanctions

Instructors

Emrah Yildiz
847/467-6254
2001 Sheridan Rd, Room 5130
Office Hours: Tuesdays, 1-3pm

Meeting Info

2001 Sheridan GPC 3111: Tues, Thurs 5:00PM - 6:20PM

Overview of class

Anthropology of Economic Sanctions

This seminar introduces the participants to the anthropological study of economic sanctions. Departing from policy-centric frameworks that conceive of sanctions as temporary tools of inter-state diplomacy and alternatives to war, we ponder the analytical utility of approaching them as weapons of war by other means.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of social science theories related to economic sanctions and prevalent interpretations of them as alternatives to military conflict and war in anthropology and allied disciplines

Develop the ability to critique theories, claims, and policies in the social and behavioral sciences that deal with economic sanctions and their mitigation as well as their objects and subjects of practice through careful evaluation of scholarly arguments including their major assertions, assumptions, evidential basis, and explanatory utility

Reflect upon the way in which theories and research about economic sanctions from the social and behavioral sciences help elucidate the factors underlying contemporary social issues, social problems, and/or ethical dilemmas in such research in a global and comparative framework.

Teaching Method

Seminar
Readings
Class participation
Research project
Case studies
Writing assignments
Films / videos
Presentations
Discussion

Evaluation Method

Paper, final
Presentations
Attendance
Class participation
Discussion section
Readings
Writing assignments
Paper, mid-term

Class Materials (Required)

All required texts, with the exception of the book-length manuscripts given below, can be found under files on the course website or on the Northwestern library database, unless already hyperlinked to an open source on the syllabus

Class Notes

Students will be evaluated on the basis of two writing assignments (50%) and class participation (50%). The writing assignments include two 8-page papers drawing upon course materials. Class participation includes (1) Regular attendance (10%) in seminar meetings and contribution to discussions; (2) 14 Seminar questions (25%); (3) Co-leading seminar discussion in one session (15%).

Class Attributes

Social and Behavioral Science Foundational Discipl
SoC Individual and Social Behavior Distro