IR5501 Core in Middle East, Caucasus and Central Asian Security Studies

Academic year

2026 to 2027 Semester 1

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 11

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 2-4pm

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

Module coordinator

Prof F J Fawn

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

Module Staff

Prof Rick Fawn & Prof Adham Saouli

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 focuses on major themes in the study of international security and applies them to the study of the Middle East and Central Asia. These addressed may include war and political violence, nationalism and ethnic conflict, arms control and nuclear proliferation, democratisation and theories of globalisation as they impact on the region (e.g. clash of civilisations).

Assessment pattern

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

Re-assessment

3-hour Written Examination =100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

2 hr seminar x 10 weeks

Intended learning outcomes

  • apply analytical tools to undertake comparative empirical analysis of the regions
  • acquire experience in empirical research on the regions including literature and data searches
  • acquire experience in writing and oral communication about regional security issues
  • acquire tools and experience to conduct research and analysis resulting in written papers, reports and a dissertation