IR3301 Politics and State Formation in the Middle East

Academic year

2024 to 2025 Semester 2

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

30

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 9

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

Tuesday 11am - 12 noon

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr W Naboulsi

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Dr Wassim Naboulsi

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module examines the modern political history of the Middle East, concentrating on the period since 1945. It examines how the pre-modern historical heritage of the region, the impact of imperialism and the advance of modernisation have shaped contemporary politics. The module also examines contemporary political ideologies and movements, elites, the role of the military, authoritarian state structures, economic development policies, and the prospects of Islamization and democratisation. This is done through case studies mainly of Turkey, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Syria and, to a lesser extent, other countries.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS IR2006

Assessment pattern

3-hour Written Examination = 50%, Coursework = 50%

Re-assessment

3-hour Written Examination =100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

1 x 1-hour lecture (x 10 weeks), 1 x 1-hour tutorial (x 10 weeks), 2 consultation hours with Coordinator (x 12 weeks). 2 hours examination feedback in week 1 of following semester.

Intended learning outcomes

  • Acquire a substantive and theoretically-informed understanding of ME politics
  • Acquire an understanding of theories pertaining to the region’s domestic political processes and institutions and their application to several ME countries
  • Develop a comparative and critical knowledge of ME states and politics
  • Articulate this understanding in oral form, through presentations and class discussion
  • Articulate this in written form in assessed work and end of semester examinations
  • Develop their research and analytical skills.