Module and Programme Catalogue

Search site

Find information on

2020/21 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

PIED5410M Contemporary Politics of the Middle East

30 creditsClass Size: 30

Module manager: Dr James Worrall
Email: j.e.worrall@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: 1 Jan to 31 May View Timetable

Year running 2020/21

This module is approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module develops a comprehensive understanding of the contemporary issues that shape the Middle East. Particular attention is paid to the role of ideologies, religious radicalism, the role of the military, political parties, the emergence of civil societies, gender and the impact that democratisation and globalisation have upon the region.

Objectives

On completion of this module, students will be able to
1) analyse critically the theoretical and empirical debates that have shaped/ continue to shape the politics of the Middle East.
2) assess a particular theme (i.e.: the role of the military/religion) in detail.
3) demonstrate an understanding of contemporary debates and controversies surrounding the political narrative and historiography of the region.
4) locate such debates within a wider regional and international context.

Syllabus

The module covers the following topics: The international system and the Middle East, Arab Nationalist thought, Religious Radicalism, Republican ideology, Gulf monarchies, the role of the military, the politics of the Arab-Israeli conflict, the role of gender, the politics of personality, and democratisation.

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Seminar112.0022.00
Private study hours280.00
Total Contact hours22.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)302.00

Private study


Students will be required to prepare for discussions in seminars through extensive reading of sources listed on the module reading list. In addition to this, students should spend time preparing for their assessments which should include finding and using sources not listed on their reading list.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Non-assessed oral presentations and submission of mid-term essay plan.

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
Essay1 x 3000 End of Term Essay50.00
Essay1 x 3000 End of Term Essay50.00
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: 10/08/2020 08:43:36

Disclaimer

Browse Other Catalogues

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team.PROD

© Copyright Leeds 2019