2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

ARAB2181 Cultures of the Arab Middle East and North Africa

20 Credits Class Size: 60

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

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

Module replaces

ARAB2180

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module provides students with in-depth knowledge necessary for the understanding of the cultures of the Middle East and North Africa; an introduction to critical approaches to countering fixed ideas that this region is merely a place of antagonisms.

Objectives

The module aims to introduce students to research in cultural studies and the critical study of a wide range of cultures and interconnected topics that are important to the anthropological literature on the Middle East and North Africa, including the functional structure of societies of the region, and the dynamics of their cultural production. Themes covered include ritual and celebration; policy and practice; family and gender relations; space and object resources; literary and artistic representations.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module, students should have acquired:

1. A good understanding of the cultures of the Middle East and North Africa;
2. Such transferrable skills as independent research;
3. Critical thinking;
4. Communication and presentation skills;
5. Team working;
6. and academic writing.

Syllabus

Topics covered in the module include:

- Defining culture and understanding approaches to the cultures of the Middle East and North Africa;
- Rituals and Celebrations;
- Practices and Policies;
- Family and Gender Relations;
- Literary Culture and Artistic Representations.

Teaching Methods

Delivery type Number Length hours Student hours
Tutorials 2 1 0.5
Class tests, exams and assessment 1 1 1
Lecture 5 2 10
Seminar 6 2 12
Private study hours 176.5
Total Contact hours 23.5
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) 200

Private study

176.5 hours of private student include reading of relevant texts and preparation for lectures, seminars, tutorials, student presentations and written assessment.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Students' progress will be monitored through the following:
- Written assignment;
- Oral presentation;
- Student handout;
- Individual Tutorial;
- Feedback session;
- Tutor's advice and feedback hour;
- Personal tutorial meeting;
- Students' mid-term and end of term surveys

Methods of Assessment

Coursework
Assessment type Notes % of formal assessment
Essay 3000-word research essay 60
Presentation Presentation supported by student-handout and audio-visuals 40
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: 4/29/2024

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