2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

ARAB1171 Studying the Middle East and North Africa

20 Credits Class Size: 50

Module manager: Prof Kamal Salhi
Email: k.salhi@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

Module replaces

ARAB1160 - ARAB1170

This module is approved as a discovery module

This module is approved as a skills discovery module

Module summary

The Middle East and North Africa as an area of interest is the focus of much media attention. This module surveys and attempts to study the Middle East not only as a geopolitical entity, but also as a multi-cultural, multi-religious, multi-linguistic and multi-ethnic region.

Objectives

The main objective of this module is to provide an in-depth understanding of the elements that go to define the Middle East and North Africa not only as a geopolitical entity, but also as a multi-cultural, multi-religious, multi-linguistic and multi-ethnic region. A team of experts on the region will contribute to the teaching of this module and will each in turn bring in their field of expertise.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:

1. an understanding of the History, culture, politics, media, religions and languages of the Middle East and North Africa.

2. The ability to apply the essentials for the in-depth study of the Middle East and North Africa.

3. various communication, and time management skills.

4. The ability to critically analyse and evaluate significant aspects of the study of the Middle Eastern and North African politics, culture, language, media, religion, and society.

Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:

5. Develop academic writing skills that demonstrate students’ understanding of existing literature on the modern Middle East

6. Communicate ideas in a clear and coherent way in an academic setting.

Syllabus

This module looks into different aspects of the modern Middle East. The module is structured into five clusters that look into history, politics, culture and religion in the Middle East. This is in addition to one introductory cluster on the methodologies and academic skills needed in studying and writing about the Middle East.

Teaching Methods

Delivery type Number Length hours Student hours
Lecture 21 1 21
Seminar 11 1 11
Private study hours 168
Total Contact hours 32
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) 200

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Formative feedback and monitoring student progress are provided through student oral presentation and tutorials. Also feedback given on review essay will help students before they write their long essay.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework
Assessment type Notes % of formal assessment
Essay 1000-word Review-essay 30
Essay 2000-word essay 70
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) 100

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading List

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 5/3/2024

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team