| Unit name | The Middle East in International Relations Theory |
|---|---|
| Unit code | POLIM0037 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Filippo Dionigi |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies |
| Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
The main aim of this unit is to apply the theories and conceptual tools of the discipline of International Relations to the study of the Middle East region. It will use the empirical material offered by the history, politics, political economy and international politics of the region to explore these concepts and theories. Following an extensive historical introduction to the modern period in the Middle East, we will use various IR theories as heuristic tools in understanding the international relations of the region. Foreign policy analysis concepts and approaches will be applied to the foreign policies of specific Middle East states. Finally, we will concentrate on a number of major issue areas which constitute the cornerstones of the international relations of the region.
On completion of this unit, in their assessed work students will be able to demonstrate:
1. Critical evaluation of theories and concepts of International Relations in application to the Middle East region
2. An in-depth understanding of the history, political economy, politics and international politics of the Middle East
3. Awareness of and ability to analyse the foreign policies of individual states within the Middle East
4. Awareness of and ability to evaluate major issues in the international relations of the Middle East region
The unit will be taught through blended learning methods, including a mix of synchronous and asynchronous teaching activities
1. Seminar presentation 20%
The seminar presentation will be on an assignment question related to the weekly seminar topic and designed to assess and provide students with feedback on at least one of intended learning outcomes 1-4.
2. 3000 word essay 70%
The final essay will allow for assessment of and feedback on intended learning outcomes 1-4. The summative essay questions will be specifically designed to allow for assessment students' ability to critically engage with and evaluate both the theoretical approaches and empirical issues/cases covered by the unit.
3. Participation 10%
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. POLIM0037).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an
assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
