Module MEIS2161: HISTORY OF THE MIDDLE EAST IN THE C20TH

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

MEIS2161: HISTORY OF THE MIDDLE EAST IN THE C20TH

Prerequisites

• None.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• This module focuses on the political, economic and social developments in the Middle East in the 20th Century. The module begins by looking at the political and historical inheritance of European involvement and Ottoman decline, giving an appreciation of the context of Middle Eastern political development during the 20th century. The module looks at a series of political, economic and social challenges that have faced the principal states of the Middle East, developing themes that have shaped the region, as well as looking at the specific historical stories of key states.

Content

• The module looks at key themes in the history of the Middle East in the 20th Century typically including: the imperial legacy of the Ottomans and Europeans; autocracy, modernisation and authoritarianism in key Middle Eastern states during the period; efforts at modernisation by key states, including different ideological approaches to this issue; nationalism; economic development; and the impact of the creation of Israel.

Learning Outcomes

• Through the module students should acquire subject specific knowledge of:
• The major themes and trends in the history of the Middle East during the twentieth century;
• Major historical events and developments in the histories of key Middle Eastern states;
• The importance and impact of the legacy of Ottoman and European rule on Middle Eastern states.

• Students will also develop important subject skills including:
• The ability to describe and discuss in appropriately analytical ways the history of both specific states and the region more widely;
• Using a range of scholarly material to support their acquisition of knowledge about the region and to inform scholarly judgements;
• Developing their research skills to identify and utilise material in appropriate ways, reaching judgements about its suitability and quality.

• The module also develops key skills, such as:
• Academic writing;
• Working to deadlines and word limits;
• Sound scholarly practice in the presentation of work;
• Time management and self-reliance in study.

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

• Teaching is by a mixture of lectures and seminars. Lectures provide a common basis of knowledge for the module and a platform for students to engage in wider reading and research to develop their knowledge and understanding of the period.
• Seminars offer an opportunity for discussion of the issues raised and for students to put forward and discuss their ideas and the results of their research, learning through interaction with one another as well as with the tutor.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

2 seminar papers; 1 essay of 2,000 words

■ 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