IR3304 The International, Modernity and Contemporary Gulf Politics

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

Tues 1pm

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

Module coordinator

Dr H Lai

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

Module Staff

Dr Hsinyen Lai

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 Gulf politics and modernity through the international. Drawing on international historical sociology, the module investigates various instances, through which Gulf politics is socially connected to the international arena, and by which Gulf modernity is represented. Beyond conventional disciplinary boundaries of International Relations, the module relies on different bodies of literature on historiography, sociology, political economy, and social anthropology. It aims to offer a historically and sociologically informed understanding of contemporary Gulf socio-political development from the early phase of capitalist formation onward. The module is structured around two blocs of teaching. The first bloc touches on the major conceptual themes and is followed by the second bloc of case studies. Previous experience of studying politics and international relations of the Middle East will be beneficial but not essential.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS IR2006

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 50%, 3-hour Written Examination = 40%, Tutorial Presentation = 10%

Re-assessment

3-hour Written Examination = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

1-hour lecture (X11 weeks) and 1-hour tutorial (X10 weeks)

Scheduled learning hours

56

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

260

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • acquire an understanding of the concepts and theories of international historical sociology,
  • acquire a historically and sociologically informed understanding of contemporary Gulf politics,
  • develop an ability to analyses the interplay among international, regional and national socio-political dynamics in the Gulf through case studies.
  • articulate arguments and respond to questions through presentations and discussion,
  • develop research and analytical skills by writing an assessed academic essay.