Qatar: Religion, Economy, and Sustainability

A course offered in Qatar for the Spring Term 2012 (Travel: March 24 — April 5, 2012)

Led by: Tugrul Keskin, PSU — International and Middle Eastern Studies Middle East Studies Coordinator (INTL)

Over the last twenty years, with the emergence of the global economy, Qatar has become a center of an economic boom in the Persian Gulf. This economic transformation has also shaped the social and political characteristics of Qatar. In the Gulf region, Qatar has one of the fastest growing education systems, increased levels of women’s participation in education and the workplace, and more open media and communications systems. Therefore, Qatar uniquely represents a new trend in the Middle East. In this study abroad course, we will explore and try to understand these changes based on our interactions with Qatari organizations, politicians, citizens, educators and etc.

Study abroad in Qatar offers students the unique opportunity to understand religion, economy and sustainability from the perspective of course materials in addition to discussion with community members and leaders, and visits to historical venues. This will help to contextualize the inter-relationships between contemporary Qatari society, and its historical, economic and geo-political underpinnings. It will enable students to interact with and directly explore issues that are core to the Muslim Societies.

Contact

Tugrul Keskin tugrulkeskin@pdx.edu
Mohammedmoin Sadeq msadeq@qu.edu.qa

Course Information
* INTL 401: Research and Reading: Qatar: Religion, Economy, and Sustainability – (2 credits Spring term)
Draft Itinerary
This course is offered as a 2-4 credit spring term course. Program travel will take place during Spring Break.
* International Component: March 24 – April 5, 2012 (Spring Break)
Partner Organizations:
Qatar University, in Doha, is the national institution of higher education in Qatar and a leading center for research in the country.