Module manager: Dr Hendrik Kraetzschmar
Email: h.j.kraetzschmar@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2024/25
ARAB3035
This module is approved as a discovery module
The module seeks to equip students with the ability to critically explore, discuss and write on issues in Middle East politics at domestic, regional and international level.
This module explores a range of domestic and regional-level issues facing the contemporary politics and societies in the countries of the Middle East. Comparative in perspective, the module homes in on questions of authoritarian governance and political reform, the nature and dynamics of opposition politics and state-society relations, the role of identity and identity politics, as well as on regional crises and conflicts. The module does not require prior knowledge of the Middle East region or Political Science.
On completion of this module, students should be able to:
1. evidence a solid grounding in some of the key domestic and regional-level issues facing the countries of the contemporary Middle East;
2. understand and apply relevant concepts and theories in relation to the topics covered;
3. critically appraise wider scholarship on the Middle East.
The syllabus will cover a range of country specific as well as comparative and regional issues which may include:
• political regimes and regime types
• the dynamics authoritarian governance
• civil society and the politics of opposition
• “Islamist” politics and secular-Islamist polarisation
• electoral and party politics
• women’s empowerment and participation
• the Arab uprisings and their aftermath
• minority rights and questions of national self-determination
• sources of collective (in-)security in the region
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 11 | 2 | 21 |
| Seminar | 11 | 1 | 11 |
| Private study hours | 168 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 32 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
200 hours including the contact hours and also hours spent on student preparation for two essays, seminars, lectures.
Student progress will be monitored using the following methods:
- Written / oral assignments
- Designated feedback sessions (one per semester)
- Student questionnaires
- Personal tutee appointments
- Tutor office hours
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Essay | 3000 word essay | 70 |
| Essay | 1000 word review essay | 30 |
| 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: 5/3/2024
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team