Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

To provide students with an advanced understanding of the contemporary political geographies of the Middle East

To provide students with an advanced understanding of the key themes and concepts that have characterised the study of the Middle East

To explore the historical forces that have and continue to shape the region

To discuss and critically evaluate the debates that have characterised geographical and other social science scholarship on the Middle East

Outline Of Syllabus

The Middle East is a region of great geopolitical significance that has been subject to competing and complementing projects of domination and exploitation, while all the time remaining a centre of cultural and intellectual significance. How does the category and boundaries of “the Middle East” come into being? How should we understand the Middle East today? What are the political geographies that have made and unmade the region? What challenges does the Middle East face and how might these be overcome? This module examines the Middle East from geographical and other social science perspectives. It does so by drawing on various theoretical approaches and empirical contexts throughout and beyond the region.

Topics to be covered may include:
European imperialism, Arab nationalism, and Zionism
Colonialism, post-colonialiosm, and settler-colonialism
Orientalism
Borders, boundaries and checkpoints
Biopolitics, thanatopolitics, necropolitics
Activism and resistance
War and terrorism
Human rights
Cartography
Oil, energy, and the environment
Geopolitics
Health and health inequalities

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

Upon completion of the module, students will/should be able to:

Identify and critically discuss the central themes in the study of the political geographies of Middle East.

Demonstrate an awareness of key thinkers, concepts and commentaries, and discuss their contributions

Debate on issues concerning the making and unmaking of the Middle East

Intended Skill Outcomes

On completion of the module, students will/should be able to:

Communicate, in written and oral formats, their advanced knowledge of the key concepts
and themes of the political geographies of Middle East.

Plan, organise and structure critical responses to questions around the political geographies of Middle East.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The 2-hour weekly seminar will involve a combination of a presentation by the module leader and discussion based around a variety of teaching methods e.g. readings, class-debates, and scenario building depending on the topics covered. The themes of the seminars will relate to the theoretical, methodological and substantive issues outlined in the module aims. The seminar-based teaching and learning methods will enable students to develop employment-related skills such as interpersonal communication, oral presentation, teamwork, planning and organising, information literacy and problem solving.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

1 x 4000 word research paper
In writing their research paper, students will be expected to show an ability to collate and evaluate theoretical and empirical material. A chronological or descriptive narrative will not be deemed sufficient to pass this module.

General Notes

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