Module manager: Dr Andrew Delatolla
Email: a.delatolla@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
This module is approved as a discovery module
This module examines the formation of the modern Middle East in the context of imperialism, colonialism and nationalism. It examines dynamics of local, regional, and international politics concerning the Middle East and North Africa throughout history. Using a variety of international political, economic, and sociological theories, the module explores the evolving subtleties of the Middle East and North Africa throughout modern history. 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.
Students taking this module will have the opportunity to explore Middle East and North African politics and cultures throughout history. By engaging with academic sources and a variety of other materials such as film, music, art, memoires, novels, you will be able to compare and contrast different histories. In these discussions, you will learn about the intricacies of empire, colonialism, modern nation-state development, and the changing nature of global politics. The sessions provided throughout the module will be combined lectures and seminars, including small group discussions, and group work. Students will have a range of activities and interactions to facilitate learning, where emphasis will be placed on critical thinking.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1- Discuss and analyse key developments and debates in modern Middle Eastern history.
2- Apply key concepts and theories from international relations, politics, economics, and sociology, and evidence from primary and/or secondary sources, to make detailed arguments.
3- Discuss wider issues raised on the module that refer to contemporary regional and global developments, including political, economic, and social.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
4- Think critically and weigh up different arguments and perspectives to form an argument.
5- Conduct independent research and communicate analysis and conclusions with clearly expressed ideas, maintaining academic rigour and structure.
6- Apply concepts and theories to empirical data to engage in analysis and develop conclusions.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 21 | 1.5 | 31.5 |
| Private study hours | 168.5 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 31.5 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Oral and written feedback will be provided during the course of the module, this will be done during lecture/seminar sessions where students will be engaged in formative exercises (group work, presentation of ideas and arguments, debates) and a formative assessment. Feedback will be provided following the submission of coursework.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Essay | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 24/04/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team