Programme Specification for the 2013/4 academic year
MA Kurdish Studies
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | MA Kurdish Studies | Programme code | PTA1HPSHPS51 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Full Time Part Time |
Academic year | 2013/4 |
| Campus(es) | Streatham (Exeter) |
Programme start date | 09/2013 |
| NQF Level | 7 (Masters) |
2. Description of the Programme
This unique programme introduces the study of the Kurdish regions of the Middle East and the Caucasus with a focus on developing an in-depth understanding of their societies, literature, politics and international relations. You will also be introduced to the historical origins and development of the social, economic and institutional structures of the contemporary Kurdish regions.
A wide range of options and supervisory possibilities for MA dissertation research will allow you to pursue your own interests in the multitude of fields related to Kurdish Studies, including the study of Islam in contemporary settings, and to begin related language preparation in Sorani Kurdish.
The MA in Kurdish Studies is designed to appeal to graduates with no prior knowledge of Kurdish studies as well as those who would like to deepen their knowledge. Programmes within the Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies are based on the latest cutting-edge research and as a result progress quickly, closing the gap between the two groups of graduates.
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
1. Give students an understanding of a variety of political, economic, social, cultural and ideological dimensions of the major forces that contend power and influence and that shape societies, economies and polities of the Kurdish regions. Students will also have an understanding of the historical origins and the development of these forces and of the social, economic and institutional structures of the contemporary Kurdish regions.
2. Provide students with an advanced appreciation of social scientific disciplinary approaches to the Kurdish regions and the Middle East generally, as well as an appreciation for cultural and social differences in interpreting religious and ethnic identities. Students will be educated regarding the construction of cultural stereotypes.
3. Enable students to relate the various processes of emergence, development and shaping of the modern identities (national, class, ethnic, gender, individual) in the Kurdish regions and the Middle East generally, to the broad historical processes of change in economic, political and social conditions.
4. Assist the students in acquiring an advanced ability to critically evaluate sources, themes and analytical tools for the study of the modern economic and social history of the Kurdish regions and the transformation of its pre-capitalist structures.
5. Enable students gain an advanced understanding of the processes that marked the historical development of modern states with sovereignty over parts of the Kurdish regions, and to consider them in the light of current debates on colonial and post-colonial socio-political systems. They will also gain a critical insight into the relationship between ideology, politics and culture and their roles in shaping of the Kurdish regions and the Middle East more generally.
The MA in Kurdish Studies is a unique programme as there are no MAs with a similar title in the entire country. Consequently, students undertaking this particular MA are likely to stand out on the job market, thereby hopefully easing their way into relevant full-time employment.
The MA in Kurdish Studies is designed for graduates who have no prior knowledge of Kurdish society and politics, as well as for those graduates who would like to deepen their existing knowledge on these topics. As the programme progresses quickly, and due to the reality that the core modules are based on recent research, the gap between the two groups of graduates should be closed quickly.
In brief, the MA in Kurdish Studies aims to:
4. Programme Structure
5. Programme Modules
The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme. Details of the modules currently offered may be obtained from the College web site
You may take option modules as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module. Descriptions of the individual modules are given in full on the College web site.
Students follow modules totalling 180 credits.
Stage 1
Compulsory Modules
A total of 105 credits stemming from three core modules and a dissertation.
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARAM190 | Research Methods Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies | 15 | No |
| ARAM027 | MA Dissertation | 60 | No |
| ARAM027 | MA Dissertation | 60 | No |
| MA Arab & Islamic Studies | |||
Choose two modules: |
|||
| ARAM215 | Studying the Contemporary Middle East | 15 | No |
| ARAM214 | Islamic Culture and Civilization | 15 | No |
| ARAM213 | Approaches to Middle East and Islamic Studies: States, Societies and Identities | 15 | No |
Optional Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| MA Kurdish Studies Specialist Modules A | |||
Select 45 credits |
|||
| ARAM146A | Critical Kurdish Studies | 15 | No |
| ARAM147 | The Kurds: History and Politics | 30 | No |
| MA Kurdish Studies Specialist Modules B | |||
Select 30 credits from modules offered by the Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies and the College of Social Sciences and International Studies. These include Kurdish language modules offered at Undergraduate level to students with no previous knowledge of the language, subject to the prior approval of the Programme Director. |
|||
| ARAM054 | State and Society in the Middle East | 30 | No |
| ARAM103 | New Approaches to Islamic Thought | 30 | No |
| No | |||
| No | |||
| ARAM131 | Nationalisms in the Middle East | 15 | No |
| ARAM186 | International Relations of the Middle East | 30 | No |
| ARAM186A | International Relations of the Middle East | 15 | No |
| ARAM187 | The Middle East Before 1945 | 30 | No |
| ARAM188 | The Middle East Since 1945 | 30 | No |
| ARAM188A | The Middle East Since 1945 | 15 | No |
| ARAM189 | Readings in Islamic Theology and Philosophy | 30 | No |
| ARAM201 | Islamism and Politics in North Africa | 30 | No |
| ARAM204 | The History and Historiography of the Palestine Question | 30 | No |
| ARAM209 | Palestinian Politics after Oslo | 15 | No |
| ARAM210 | Themes and Conflicts in Iranian History and Culture | 30 | No |
| ARAM211 | The Revolution of 1978/79, the Islamic Republic and the Politics of Contemporary Iran | 15 | No |
| ARAM217 | Sufism, Islamic Mysticism and Devotional Life | 30 | No |
| ARA2156 | Kurdish 2 (Sorani) | 15 | No |
| ARA2157 | Kurdish 2 (Kurmanji) | 15 | No |
| Total Credits for Stage 1 | 180 |
|---|
6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
1. extensive knowledge of key issues in Kurdish Studies. | The subject knowledge and skills (SKS1-3) are developed via lectures, class discussion, group work and student presentations. In the lectures, students will be presented with cutting-edge research carried out by those actually giving the lectures; a reality that is hoped will inspire students. The programme also makes use of class discussions, group work and student presentations (both individual and in groups) as different people learn in different ways. However, there is no doubt that all students, regardless of how they best learn, will benefit from input from their peers. Moreover, group work, class discussion and student presentations are seen as ways in which students can take some responsibility for their own (and each others) learning, which is expected at the MA level. Finally, it is important to underline that in an effort to ensure that all students benefit from the course, use will be made of different teaching aids such as e.g. Powerpoint and the Exeter virtual learning environment, which enables students to access course material at home and in various formats | The MA in Kurdish Studies utilizes a range of assessment methods in order to assess the subject specific skills. This is done with a view to ensure that we cater for students with different abilities - e.g. some students excel in essays, while others do much better in presentations. The assessment methods include essays (SKS1-3), student presentations (SKS1-3), reaction papers (SKS1-3) and a dissertation (SKS1-3). |
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
4. Ability to source primary and secondary data relevant to specific issue areas. | The core academic skills will be developed via a number of different teaching/learning methods and a range of forms of assessment. Group work, student presentations, essays and the dissertation all contribute to the development of these skills as they force students to carry out their own independent research, task them with critically assessing current research, placing key issues in a wider context, and require them to deploy critical arguments. A further key skill - the ability to evaluate one's own work and progress - is aided by lectures and group work, but it is the dissertation, the essays and the individual student presentations that are the most effective here due to the fact that student will receive written, personal feedback on these assignments and will also be formally assessed. Finally, it is important to underline that in an effort to ensure that all students benefit from the course, use will be made of different teaching aids such as e.g. Powerpoint and the Exeter virtual learning environment, which enables students to access course material at home and in various formats. | The MA in Kurdish Studies utilizes a range of assessment methods in order to assess the core academic skills. This is done with a view to ensure that we cater for students with different abilities - e.g. some students excel in essays, while others do much better in presentations. The assessment methods include essays, student presentations, reaction papers and a dissertation. |
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
8. Think and work independently at an advanced level. | The personal and key skills are developed via readings, lectures, and class and group discussions where students will be presented with problems to debate and literature to review. | The MA in Kurdish Studies utilizes a range of assessment methods in order to assess the personal and key skills. This is done with a view to ensure that we cater for students with different abilities - e.g. some students excel in essays, while others do much better in presentations. The assessment methods include essays, student presentations, reaction papers and a dissertation. |
7. Programme Regulations
University Regulations on the number of credits to be taken and at what level for each stage of the programme can be found in the Credit and Qualifications Framework.
Progression
Condonement is the process that allows you to be awarded credit (and so progress to the next stage or, in the final stage, receive an award), despite failing to achieve a pass mark at a first attempt. You are not entitled to reassessment in condoned credit. Regulations on condonement can be found in the Handbook for Assessment, Progression and Awarding for Taught Programmes.
Assessment and Awards
For undergraduate degrees assessment at stage one does not contribute to the summative classification of the award. Details of the weightings for each year of all programme lengths can be found in the Handbook for Assessment, Progression and Awarding for Taught Programmes.
Classification
Full details of assessment regulations for undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes and the classification of awards can be found in the Handbook for Assessment, Progression and Awarding for Taught Programmes.
You can also read details of Generic Marking Criteria.
8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning
Personal and Academic Tutoring
It is University policy that all Colleges should have in place a system of academic and personal tutors. The role of academic tutors is to support you with individual modules; the role of personal tutors is to provide you with advice and support fo the duration of your programme, and this support extends to providing you with details of how to obtain support and guidance on personal difficulties such as accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff.
Information on the College Personal Tutoring system, library provision, ELE resources and access to College support services can be found on the College webpages for current students.
Student Staff Liaison Committee (SSLC)
SSLCs enable students and staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision.
9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning
Learning Resources
The University Library maintains its principal collections in the main library buildings on the Streatham and St Luke's campuses, together with a number of specialist collections in certain Colleges. The total Library collection comprises over a million volumes and 3000 current periodical subscriptions.
IT Services
A wide range of IT services are provided throughout the Exeter campuses, including open-access computer rooms, some of which are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Helpdesks are maintained on the Streatham and St Luke's campuses, while most study bedrooms in halls and flats are linked to the University's campus network.
Student Support Services
The University provides many support services including health and wellbeing, multifaith chaplaincy, family support, the Students' Guild and international student support.
10. Admissions Criteria
All applications are considered individually on merit. The University is committed to an equal opportunities policy with respect to gender, age, race, sexual orientation and/or disability when dealing with applications. It is also committed to widening access to higher education to students from a diverse range of backgrounds and experience.
Candidates for undergraduate programmes must satisfy the undergraduate admissions requirements of the University of Exeter.
11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards
Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.
The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.
12. Indicators of Quality and Standards
Certain programmes are subject to accreditation and/or review by professional and statutory regulatory bodies (PSRBs).
13. Methods for Evaluating and Improving Quality and Standards
The University and its constituent Colleges draw on a range of data to review the quality of education provision. The College documents the performance in each of its tuaght programmes, against a range of criteria on an annual basis through the Annual Student Experience Review (ASER).
Subject areas are reviewed every five years through a College Academic Audit scheme that includes external contributions.
14. Awarding Institution
University of Exeter
15. Lead College / Teaching Institution
College of Social Sciences and International Studies (CSSIS)
16. Partner College / Institution
Partner College(s)
Not applicable to this programme
Partner Institution
Not applicable to this programme.
17. Programme Accredited / Validated by
N/A
18. Final Award
MA Kurdish Studies
19. UCAS Code
C821
20. NQF Level of Final Award
7 (Masters)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | 180 |
ECTS credits | 90 |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
[Honours] Area studies
23. Dates
| Origin Date | 01/10/2006 |
Date of last revision | 01/10/2011 |
|---|
