2019/20 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
ARAB2180 Culture and Society in the Arab World
20 creditsClass Size: 45
Module manager: Dr Sameh Hanna
Email: s.hanna@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2019/20
This module is mutually exclusive with
ARAB2170 | Culture and Society in the Arab World |
This module is approved as a discovery module
Module summary
This module provides students with in-depth knowledge and understanding of key issues related to modern Arab societies and cultures.Objectives
The module aims to familiarise students with a wide range of topics involving the structure and function of Arab societies and the dynamics of cultural production. Topics covered include family life and gender relations, marriage, divorce and their socio-economic implications, the role of religion in Arab societies and the significance of such religious celebrations as Ramadhan, Eid al-fitr, Eid al-Adha, Ashura & karbala and Al-Mawlid al-Nabaw. A number of other key cultural activities and practices will be explored, including Arabic literary culture, Arab theatre and cinema and the role of media in the contemporary Middle East.Learning outcomes
On Completion of this module, students should have acquired a solid understanding of the societies and cultures of the Arab world. In addition, students should have acquired such transferrable skills as critical thinking, independent research, communication and presentation skills and academic writing.
Syllabus
Topics covered in this module include:
- Introduction: understanding the Arab world and its social/cultural dynamics.
- The Arab family: structure, function and change.
- Gender relations in the Arab family.
- Marriage in the Arab world
- Divorce in the Arab world
- Religion in the Arab World
- Sectarian tension and its political and socio-cultural implications.
- Religious celebrations and their socio-cultural implications.
- Sufism and sufi rituals.
- Shi'a celebrations: 'Asuhra' and 'Karbala'
- Arabic literary culture
- Arab theatre and cinema
- Contemporary Arab media
- Arabs in Diaspora
Teaching methods
Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
Lecture | 21 | 1.00 | 21.00 |
Seminar | 11 | 1.00 | 11.00 |
Private study hours | 168.00 | ||
Total Contact hours | 32.00 | ||
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200.00 |
Private study
168 hours of private study include reading of relevant texts and preparation for lectures, seminars, students' presentations and written assignments.Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Students' progress will be monitored through the following:- Written assignments;
- Oral presentations;
- Feedback sessions scheduled in both semesters;
- Tutor's advice and feedback hours;
- Personal tutorial meetings;
- Students' mid-term and end of term surveys.
Methods of assessment
Coursework
Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
Essay | 2500 word essay | 70.00 |
Oral Presentation | Student Presentation - Bi Weekly Seminars | 0.00 |
Essay | 1000 word Review Essay | 30.00 |
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100.00 |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 24/04/2018
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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