IR5534 Contemporary Gulf Politics in a Changing Global Context

Academic year

2025 to 2026 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 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

Thursday 10am - 12noon

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

Module coordinator

Dr H Lai

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 H 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 contemporary Gulf politics in a broader global context. Drawing on international historical sociology, the module investigates various instances, through which Gulf politics is socially connected to the international arena, and by which the internationality of Gulf politics 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 onwards. Previous experience of studying politics and international relations of the Middle East will be beneficial but not essential.

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 100%

Re-assessment

Exam = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

2-hour weekly seminar (x 11 weeks)

Scheduled learning hours

22

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

Guided independent study hours

288

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

Intended learning outcomes

  • Through participation in this module, students will acquire an understanding of the concepts and theories of international historical sociology
  • To acquire a historically and sociologically informed understanding of contemporary Gulf politics
  • To develop an ability to analyses the interplay among international, regional and national socio-political dynamics in the Gulf through case studies
  • Students will also be able to acquire some transferable skills from articulating arguments and responding questions through presentations and discussion
  • Developing research and analytical skills by writing assessed academic essays and book review