Module MEIS1031: INTRODUCTION TO MIDDLE EAST POLITICS

Department: GOVERNMENT AND INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS (MIDDLE EASTERN AND ISLAMIC STUDIES)

MEIS1031: INTRODUCTION TO MIDDLE EAST POLITICS

Prerequisites

• None.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To provide students with the basis for developing a systematic understanding of the politics of the Middle East, addressing political interactions at a range of levels and introducing students to a variety of theoretical approaches to studying the region's politics and some of the principal academic debates surrounding study of the region.

Content

• The course starts with an introduction to the geography and history of the Middle East, introducing students to the politics, and selected aspects of the economics and societies, of the region. This includes examining and contextualising stereotypes that have developed in the modern (i.e.: post eighteenth century) world and the politics of how the Middle East is often portrayed.
• The course also looks at a range of possible theoretical approaches to studying the region. The aim of the course is not to assert the superiority (or inferiority) of any of the various approaches, but to encourage the student to appreciate the frequently controversial diversity of ways in which he or she can seek to unravel the complexities of the Middle East.

Learning Outcomes

• Through the module students should acquire:
• A sound understanding of the modern politics, society and economy of the Middle East;
• Important aspects of political philosophical and political theoretical approaches to studying the Middle East;
• An appropriate understanding of the contested nature of politics in the Middle East and of the study of the region.

• Through the module, student should be able to:
• Accurately and effectively assess contemporary debates concerning the politics of the Middle East;
• Appropriately apply concepts and methods of analysis to questions in Middle East politics;
• Show awareness of the main conceptualisations and understandings of Middle East politics, and their respective merits.

• The module introduces and establishes some important key skills, such as:
• An ability to effectively utilise resources, principally those to which students have been directed;
• To plan and complete a range of academic tasks;
• To deploy flexibly and appropriately knowledge and subject skills in fulfillment of assessment tasks;
• Effective written communication;
• Time Management.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Lectures are designed to convey basic factual information about the politics and interactions of the Middle East and the contested nature of the idea of 'Middle East'. They also introduce students to the different ways in which the region can be and has been studies, outlining the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches. They are supported by recommended further reading and other resources, such as handouts, and through DUO.
• Small group tutorials offer an opportunity for students to discuss material in lectures and in their own reading, advancing and discussing different analytical claims and theoretical approaches to the subject. They also offer students an opportunity to present information to other students and to receive feedback on this.
• Assessment through essay and examination enables testing of a full range of learning outcomes as students are required to prepare, plan and write an essay demonstrating their knowledge and understanding of an important aspect of the region's politics, including discussion of alternative ways of approaching and assessing the issue. Examination requires students to deploy knowledge, understanding and their subject specific skills in a flexible manner to respond effectively to a specific question under time pressure.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

One 1500-word formative assessment essay.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University