Geopolitics of the Middle East This course examines the Middle East from a geographical perspective with emphasis on the historical and political underpinnings of the region. The Middle East, the cradle of civilization, has been, due to its geography, one of the major arenas for political and ideological conflicts. It has been subject to an unequal power relationship with the West, which, together with Islam, has affected the level of its political, social, and economic development. This course will provide an analytical introduction to the historical, political, social, and economic geography of the region and will analyze the major transitions this region has undergone. 3 hrs.lect.

Terrorism Terrorism has taken on new dimensions in an age dominated by technology and mass media. It has continued to cause carnage as terrorists around the globe continue to resist violently real or perceived oppression. In this course we will examine the breeding grounds for terrorist activities and interrogate the global connections behind local and national extremist/terrorist groups. We will explore ethno-national and religious terrorist groups from Asia, Europe, and Latin America, and probe white supremacist groups in the U.S. The aim of the course is to develop critical understanding of the phenomenon of terrorism, the local-global connections, and the challenges associated with terrorism in the 21st century.

Geographies of Globalization Globalization has long roots in history. At its core, it involves processes that connect places and people through the flow of ideas, technology, goods, and information, which as they move from place to place and are adopted, disrupts local and indigenous cultures, economies, and even political systems. These processes tend to homogenize cultures and tastes and are therefore a source of conflict over heritage, memory, and power. These clashes over the “nature” of society embody the global-local divide. In this course we will interrogate not only when and how the flow of goods and ideas occur but the where, as well. We will examine the geographical impact of these flows, and question why some people/places are more affected by globalization than others. 3 hr lecture.

Geopolitics and International Development This course critically examines theories and practices of development in the “global-South,” where in many cases development has been inextricably related to foreign interests of donor countries in the West and of Brazil, India, and China. We will emphasize the importance of territory, security, statehood, and sovereignty in the development process and highlight the evolving nexus between geopolitics and development, with a special emphasis on Africa. We will probe the connections between "development" and "underdevelopment," and ask questions about the possible impact of South-South vs. the historical North-South development. We will focus on the contribution of development to progress, on the one hand, and to its stagnation, on the other, and focus on specific issues like food, population dynamics, resources, and rural- urban relationship.

Timi Mayer

Reviews and ratings for Timi Mayer at Middlebury College.Timi Mayer teaches Geopolitics of the Middle East, Terrorism, Geographies of Globalization and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Timi Mayer good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

Timi challenges you from day one of this class. That being said, the readings are very insightful, and the papers she assigns force you to think and write in a clear, effective manner. Course involved four papers, a final paper, and final presentation on your paper topic. Need to work for your A but it is possible to get. 

Very hardcore class. Found the subject and material pretty annoying at time tbh, so it was enjoyable to debate the readings in class. Prof is very enthusiastic and wants engagement. Take if you want a challenge and are interested in geography.

This course was extremely challenging. The professor had a very closed mind during discussions and believed that there was only one right perspective. There were only 3 assignments and a final 20-page paper. All of the assignments were graded harshly but overall I got a good grade in the class but you have to work very hard, engage in discussions, and attend every class. 