2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

ARAB3110 Middle Eastern Politics: Regimes, Societies and Conflict

20 creditsClass Size: 60

Module manager: Dr Hendrik Kraetzschmar
Email: h.j.kraetzschmar@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

Module replaces

ARAB3035

This module is approved as a discovery module

Module summary

The module seeks to equip students with the ability to critically explore, discuss and write on issues in Middle East politics at domestic, regional and international level.

Objectives

This module explores a range of domestic and regional-level issues facing the contemporary politics and societies in the countries of the Middle East. Comparative in perspective, the module homes in on questions of authoritarian governance and political reform, the nature and dynamics of opposition politics and state-society relations, the role of identity and identity politics, as well as on regional crises and conflicts. The module does not require prior knowledge of the Middle East region or Political Science.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students should be able to:
1. evidence a solid grounding in some of the key domestic and regional-level issues facing the countries of the contemporary Middle East;
2. understand and apply relevant concepts and theories in relation to the topics covered;
3. critically appraise wider scholarship on the Middle East.

Syllabus

The syllabus will cover a range of country specific as well as comparative and regional issues which may include:
• political regimes and regime types
• the dynamics authoritarian governance
• civil society and the politics of opposition
• “Islamist” politics and secular-Islamist polarisation
• electoral and party politics
• women’s empowerment and participation
• the Arab uprisings and their aftermath
• minority rights and questions of national self-determination
• sources of collective (in-)security in the region

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	11	2.00	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

200 hours including the contact hours and also hours spent on student preparation for two essays, seminars, lectures.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Student progress will be monitored using the following methods:
- Written / oral assignments
- Designated feedback sessions (one per semester)
- Student questionnaires
- Personal tutee appointments
- Tutor office hours

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	3000 word essay	70.00
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 website

Last updated: 03/05/2024

Disclaimer

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