In this assignment, you are to write a critical reflection of one of the readings presented in the first four weeks of class. Within your reflection, provide aspects of the selected reading that you did not know before, or knew before, but now look at them in a new or different way. In your critical review, identify and describe aspects of the reading that you found weak, unclear, and problematic and discuss your reasons why.
As you write your reflection, keep in mind the themes and concepts brought up during the lectures and class discussions. As I read your reflections, I will be looking for evidence that you actually read the article and wrote your own reflection.
Please select ONE option (A, B, or C) to analyze:
“European Companies and Arab Sheikhs”, pp. 58 – 61 and “The Assertion of British Power”, pp. 72 – 74 from the book, The Gulf States.
“Utub Sheikhdoms in Kuwait and Bahrain”, pp. 66 – 68 and “Oman and the Origins of the Trucial States”, pp. 68 – 72 from the book The Gulf States.
“Britain and the Gulf Sheikhdoms 1820 – 1971: The Politics of Protection” by James Onley, pp. 10 – 15 (only these five pages)
Answer the following questions within your critical reflection. To ensure FULL MARK, do each one below:
What reading did you choose and why? (A few sentences)
What is the summary of this reading? How does the historical situation relate to the Gulf? (1-2 paragraphs)
What did this reading teach me? Discuss two or three points. (1-2 paragraphs)
What do I find missing, weak, unclear, or problematic about the reading and why? Identify two or three points and describe your reasons. (1-2 paragraphs)
In what ways does the new knowledge you gained from the reading help you? (A few sentences)