Postgraduate Course: Contemporary Issues in Middle East Politics (PGSP11578)
Course Outline
| School | School of Social and Political Science |
College | College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) |
Availability | Available to all students |
| SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
| Summary | Contemporary Issues in Middle East Politics provides in-depth analysis of politics and/or international relations in the Middle East as it relates to a particular state or issue of contemporary importance.
2023-24
The question of Palestine: taking the question of Palestine as a starting point, this course develops a critical dictionary for approaching the question of Palestine in relation to some of the key events and political debates which have marked the history of the area.
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| Course description |
The course will be taught as a weekly two-hour seminar discussion based on set readings. In-class activities will vary, but may include lecture, open discussions, small group activities or presentations. Students will evidence achievement of learning outcomes through their participation in class as well as completion of the written assessments.
2023-24
Students will explore and problematise some of the thorniest concepts and ideas which have been the object of struggle and contestation in the local and international political arena. These include (among others): Zionism, antisemitism, Nakba, occupation, settler colonialism, human rights, racial discrimination. In doing so, the course also offers an understanding of the key political roots and manifestations of the context of dispossession, human rights violations, and injustice one can observe in the area.
The last section of the course will examine the recent reports published by some of the most prominent Israeli, Palestinian and international human rights organisations (Al Haq, B¿Tselem, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International), which have accused Israel of establishing a regime of apartheid in the region. Students will discuss the applicability of the South African comparison, situating the framing of the situation in Palestine as one of apartheid (and its controversies) within broader international political debates.
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
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Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | None |
| High Demand Course? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
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| Academic year 2024/25, Available to all students (SV1)
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Quota: 30 |
| Course Start |
Semester 1 |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
200
(
Lecture Hours 11,
Seminar/Tutorial Hours 10,
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
175 )
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| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
0 %,
Coursework
90 %,
Practical Exam
10 %
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| Additional Information (Assessment) |
1. Literature Review (1500 words) 30%. Each student will write a short review of literature on a particular theme or debate related to the country in question.
2. Research Paper (3000 words) 60%. Students have to submit a research paper on a topic that is related to the course material and in coordination with the course organizer.
1. Class participation 10%. This includes monitored oral discussion participation. These components will be explained fully to the students in week 1 and monitored by the course organizer throughout the semester. Students will receive a mid-term participation mark and indication of their participation strength and weaknesses. The class participation grade will be assessed on informed participation, including students¿ capacity to engage in discussions based on the assigned readings, as well as listen to and engage with other students in the group
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| Feedback |
- Literature reviews and research papers will be returned with feedback before the research paper is submitted.
- Feedback on student enquiries regarding assignments and readings will be provided during course organizer¿s guidance and feedback hours and during tutorials.
- Feedback on participation will be provided via a written rubric/marking scheme.
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| No Exam Information |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Demonstrate advanced understanding of contemporary debates in a Middle East issue or case study, from both a theoretical and empirical perspective
- Students will have critical and detailed knowledge of specific areas and issues in relation to a Middle East issue or case study
- Critically engage with key explanatory theories, concepts, institutions and issues in the study of a Middle East issue or case study
- Have advanced ability to communicate complex issues in contemporary in Middle East politics
- Demonstrate advanced critical thinking, reflection and debate on relevant contemporary issues in Middle East politics
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Reading List
| These will depend on the country being taught |
Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
1. Critical thinking, analytical and reading skills will be developed by deep engagement with the assigned readings
2. Advanced research skills will be developed by identifying and consulting with a wide range of sources in preparing the research paper
3. Effective written and oral communication skills will be developed by completing the assessments and class participation.
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| Keywords | Not entered |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Nicola Perugini
Tel: (0131 6)51 5472
Email: nicola.perugini@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Mrs Casey Behringer
Tel: (0131 6)50 2456
Email: Casey.behringer@ed.ac.uk |
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