Int Rels of the Modern Middle East (L2065S)
International Relations of the Modern Middle East
Module L2065S
Module details for 2024/25.
30 credits
FHEQ Level 6
Module Outline
Kamran Matin
For more information see here:
http://www.sussex.ac.uk/global/internal/forstudents/options/ir
The Middle East remains at the centre-stage of international politics and media. Yet its specificities and complexities continue to challenge politicians and academics alike. This module explores the explanatory potentials of a three-dimensional international, social and historical approach to modern political history of the Middle East. It consists of three major parts. First, it critically surveys the traditional theoretical approaches to the analysis of Middle East politics. Second, it delineates the broader historical contours of the contemporary politics of the region by retracing the socio-international context and outcomes of the formation of 'modern' Middle Eastern states. Thirdly, and drawing on the second part, it provides in-depth analysis of three major contemporary political developments in the region, namely The Iranian Revolution, the Arab-Israeli conflict and Iraq War. The module concludes by a brief evaluation of the broader implications of an international-historical approach to the study of the Middle East for theory and practice of international relations.
Module learning outcomes
Develop a systematic and critical understanding of the theoretical and conceptual issues involved in the study of the modern politics and history of the Middle East.
Develop a detailed conceptual understanding of the historical, political and cultural forces shaping the Middle East as it relates to broader international trends.
Effectively synthesise and communicate the empirical and theoretical uncertainties, ambiguities and limits that are framed by modern Middle Eastern politics.
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Essay (3500 words) | Semester 2 Assessment Week 1 Tue 16:00 | 70.00% |
| Coursework | 30.00% | |
| Coursework components. Weighted as shown below. | ||
| Group Presentation | T2 Week 11 (10 minutes) | 33.33% |
| Essay | T2 Week 6 | 66.67% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Semester | Seminar | 3 hours | 11111111111 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Dr Melanie Richter-Montpetit
Assess convenor
/profiles/349663
Dr Kamran Matin
Convenor
/profiles/138207
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