Political Economy of the Middle East

Salla-Maria
Finnish
Middle East & Mediterranean Studies MA
After I finished my BA Religion in the Contemporary World degree at King’s, I continued to study the MA in Middle East & Mediterranean Studies (MEMS) at King’s. The main reason I wanted to continue to study here was the excellent quality of teaching. Having travelled in the MEMS area including Palestine, Iran, and Morocco, I have become increasingly interested in the complexities of inter- and intra-cultural mediation both within and across regions and religions. The MA Middle East and Mediterranean Studies offered the possibility to understand better historical, political and economic developments in that area as well as cultural, intellectual and artistic trends in the region.

Another important reason why I chose King’s is its excellent academic reputation worldwide. I also appreciate the location at centre of one of the world’s capital cities, London. My studies include cultural studies, international relations, sociological and anthropological study of religion, politics, and conflict resolution with specific reference to the Middle East and wider Mediterranean. I have been looking into the evolving forms of political Islam, specifically in Turkey and Egypt.

In addition to governmental policies and ‘high politics’, I aim to include the lived experience of the people under discussion; how politics, religion, sectarianism etc. are actually experienced and lived in the everyday life of the people in the region. Whatever direction my research will take, I wish to be able to contribute to more nuanced and accurate understanding of the Middle East and Mediterranean, and of those people inhabiting the region. Middle East and Mediterranean Studies is its own centre of research, but it is also part of the Theology and Religious Studies department.

Throughout my BA degree and now, the staff in the department have been so helpful and supporting both academically and otherwise. Dr Carool Kersten, a senior lecturer in the study of Islam and the Muslim world, increased my interest in Islam and introduced me to the many faces of political Islam. Dr Kersten was also my personal tutor, encouraging me to apply to Masters program dealing with the Middle East.

Dr Charis Boutieri, a lecturer in the social anthropology of the Middle East, has introduced me to the most challenging yet inspiring academic topics concerning political anthropology, national politics, and power, knowledge production and dissemination in the region. In addition to the quality of teaching and its reputation, King’s offers opportunities to socialise and enhance one’s work and learning experience in many ways.

King’s College London Student Union (KCLSU) offers a wide range of extra-curricular activities - I belong to KCL Action Palestine society and I work for KCLSU as a part of Venues Team that is responsible for the wild student events taking place at King’s. When it comes to my career ambitions, I believe that given the global significance of the policy implications of the region, the Middle East and Mediterranean studies - especially when taught at King’s - provides me with viable career prospects within academia I am most interested in.

Having lived in London over three years, I have come to feel at home in London. There are many reasons to appreciate the possibility to live and study in London. For a student, London offers not just nightlife and great little pubs, but also endless amount of museums, exhibitions, and festivals – for free! London is also a truly multicultural city where one can celebrate one’s own identity. This diversity is manifested in everyday life, in dressing, food, cultural events, magazines and film theatres. Students currently considering studying here should take advantage not only of what King’s has to offer, but also of how London and its diversity can contribute to their study experience.