The course presents and analyzes Middle Eastern political activity in the informal spheres through a number of case studies - the environment, the capital market, sports, and social networks. The uniqueness of the course is that it combines a theoretical and practical aspects. In part, the students will study case studies in the Arabic- Turkish- and Persian-speaking Middle East; in the second part, they will be required to carry out 100 hours of practical work in relevant organizations to be assigned by the TAU's Center for Career Development (this part will start during the first semester and will be the focus of the course during the second semester). The Center will accompany the students and provide them with the tools of acquiring a career. Course assignments are: active participation, an exam after the first semester, 100 hours of internship, and a written report after the second semester. Thus, students will combine theoretical understanding and hands-on practice of how informal politics take shape in the Middle East, combined with social action and career experience.