Module manager: Professor Kamal Salhi
Email: k.salhi@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
This module is approved as a discovery module
This module provides students with in-depth knowledge necessary for the understanding of the cultures of the Middle East and North Africa. It introduces critical approaches to countering fixed ideas that this region is merely a place of antagonisms. Please note this is an optional module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module.
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. By studying rituals, celebrations, and practices, this module aims to depict Middle Eastern and North African cultures and how the latter are shaped by policy, family, gender and arts. The module also seeks to acquaint you with comparative regional literary and artistic creations.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Critically evaluate the cultures and cultural practices of the Middle East and North Africa locating them intheir political and historical contexts.
2. Describe and discuss how linguistic and cultural policies are implemented in and have an impact on the cultures and societies of the Middle East and North Africa.
3. Explain and critically examine family law and the role of the family in Middle Eastern and North African societies.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
4. Develop a well-structured argument that is based on evidence and informed by relevant scholarly debates
5. Communicate ideas and information clearly and effectively
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 5 | 2 | 10 |
| Practical | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Seminar | 6 | 2 | 12 |
| Private study hours | 177 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 23 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Student progress will be monitored using the following methods: Seminar discussions, presentations, and student handouts.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Essay | 60 |
| Coursework | In-class presentation | 40 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
The presentation resit will be delivered online or in-person at during the teaching period or during the August re-assessment period on a mutually agreed date/time.
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 25/04/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team