Teaching

In teaching courses on world politics, the political economy of development, the politics of the Middle East, and nationalism and conflict, I have the opportunity to tackle some of the most important questions in social science with my students. How do we define democracy, and why do countries democratize? How do political institutions affect economic growth and inequality within societies? Do natural resources help or hurt otherwise poor countries? What produces violent conflict? Why are some conflicts frozen for so long? When does ethnic homogeneity, on one hand, or diversity, on the other, promote cooperation? As a teacher, my primary challenge is to make my students as excited about these questions as I am. To do so, I create learning environments which are based on the principles of mutual respect and rigor.

Courses Taught:

PSC 10300: Introduction to World Politics (B.A. level)

PSC 24800: Middle East Politics and Government (B.A. level)

PSC 32600: Nationalism, Identity, and Ethnic Conflict (B.A. level)

PSC 30500: Political Economy of Development (B.A. level)

IR B6927: (Comparative and) International Political Economy (M.A. level)

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