BA Middle Eastern Studies

Year 1

(Award available for year: Certificate of Higher Educ)

Learning outcomes

On completion of the year/programme students should have provided evidence of being able to:
1. demonstrate a familiarity with the basic concepts, information, practical competencies and techniques which are standard features of the discipline, including:
• Being able to identify some of the key classical aspects of Arab-Islamic culture, as it has developed since the 7th Century
• A grounding in the history, culture, politics, religions and languages of the Middle East
• Basic knowledge in reading and writing Arabic, and being able to identify the basic elements of Arabic grammar
• techniques for close work on sources, both primary and secondary;
2. use basic generic and subject specific intellectual qualities i.e.:
• communicate the results of their work;
• present a structured and coherent simple argument;
• critical and empathetic reading of both primary and secondary source material relevant to the study of the Middle East and its religions, civilisations and cultural traditions;
• have some knowledge of the critical terminology relevant to the discipline;
• interpret and evaluate the underlying concepts and principles of the discipline;
3. demonstrate an ability to evaluate the appropriateness of different approaches to problem solving associated with the discipline;
4. appreciate their strengths and weaknesses as learners through individual and group work

Transferable (key) skills

Students will have had the opportunity to acquire, as defined in the modules specified for the programme:
1. qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment related to the subject area(s) studied;
2. skills necessary for the exercising of personal responsibility;

These may typically include, to an extent commensurate with the level of study:

• ability to select and apply appropriate methodologies;
• capacity for critical reflection and judgement;
• ability to work in flexible and independent ways;
• ability to show self-discipline and emerging self-direction;
• ability to communicate effectively in interpersonal settings, and in writing;
• ability work productively in a group or team;
• ability to deliver work to a given length, format, brief and deadline;
• basic IT skills.

Assessment

Achievement will be assessed by a variety of methods in accordance with the learning outcomes of the modules specified for the year/programme and will include:

1. demonstrating the knowledge and application of standard concepts, information and techniques relevant to Middle Eastern Studies;
2. demonstrating an ability to construct an argument in various contexts, both oral and written;
3. demonstrating an ability to critically use and evaluate primary and secondary sources, in accordance with the learning outcomes for this level;
4. demonstrate a capacity to evaluate the appropriateness of some approaches to the study of the Middle East and problem solving in the discipline, in accordance with the learning outcomes for this level;
5. work that covers a restricted area of the discipline;
6. demonstrating emerging abilities, skills and practical competencies, in accordance with the learning outcomes for this level;
7. demonstrating some knowledge of the key concepts and debates that underpin the study of the Middle East, in accordance with the learning outcomes for this level;