Module SGIA2311: MIDDLE EAST IN THE INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM

Department: Government and International Affairs

SGIA2311: MIDDLE EAST IN THE INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM

Prerequisites

• Any Level 1 SGIA module

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• The aim of this module is to provide a detailed overview of the Middle East and its interaction with the international system. Students will gain insight into an often misunderstood and misrepresented region. Developments in the region are central to understanding several contemporary long conflicts. The region is home to the world’s greatest oil exporters, and its developments have significant impact on international security.
• The module aims to provide students with appropriate theoretical, conceptual, and contextual knowledge to locate the Middle East within the wider dynamics of the international system, including the interaction between the states, the region, and at global level.

Content

• The module’s content will cover central questions for understanding the Middle East in the international system with content typically including:
• A historical background to the Middle East and its interaction with the international system.
• Major theories of international relations and their applicability to understanding the Middle East in the contemporary international system.
• Major issues shaping contemporary dynamics, for example, the role of Israel, Arab nationalism, political Islam, regional conflicts, international intervention, revolutions and Uprisings, and global power transitions.

Learning Outcomes

• Through the module students will gain broad and detailed knowledge of:
• The principal theoretical frameworks and concepts used to explain the Middle East’s place within the international system;
• the contested nature of research methods in examining the Middle East in the international system.
• The major political dynamics shaping the contemporary Middle East, including key historical contexts.

• Through the module, students will acquire and demonstrate skills including:
• Select and defend the use of appropriate research methods and techniques with minimal guidance.
• Synthesize and evaluate primary and secondary sources relating to the international history and politics of the Middle East in support of structured analysis.
• Identify and select appropriate theories and concepts to explore a range of problems and questions.

• Collect, categorise and evaluate resources they have been directed to and those identified independently.
• Effective written communication under time pressure.
• Time management.
• Effective interpersonal skills including active listening, effective and constructive oral communication skills.

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

• The teaching methods of the module are intended to provide the empirical, historical and theoretical framework via lectures. This framework is then used in seminar discussions to support and promote the required evaluative skills.
• Formative assessments will provide students with the opportunity to reflect on their learning, write essays based on both empirical and theoretical knowledge, and allow the opportunity for written feedback which will be helpful for preparing students for the written exam.
• The summative assessment will test skills of synthesis and evaluation with reference to material drawn from all or most of the module.
• Students will be required to select readings from the online reading list and, where appropriate, independently identify additional sources in advance of seminars and prepare for active contribution through making informed comments during seminar activities and discussions.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Two 1,500 word essays.

■ 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