Postgraduate Module Descriptor


ARAM112B: Independent Reading Course

This module descriptor refers to the 2017/8 academic year.

Module Aims

This module may not be used for direct research on individual MA dissertation topics; however, it may be used to explore topics of interest for a dissertation. Subject to the availability of a qualified teacher (to be arranged through the course convenor), this module is intended to allow MA students (individually or in very small groups) to pursue guided readings in areas of individual faculty specialisation where a formal course is not currently offered.  These areas would normally include, among others, areas (e.g., readings in Persian, Arabic, or a specialised historical or regional field) where MA students are entering the programme with a level of competency equal to or beyond that covered in the introductory course offerings.   Both Islamic and Middle East Studies (and available Institute faculty interests and specialisations) cover many fields and regions beyond those listed in the formal curriculum, and this course is intended to allow interested MA students to pursue those studies with the appropriate faculty.

This module is arranged through your initiative, and it is your responsibility to take preliminary steps to identify a possible specialist area and an appropriate faculty member, and to approach the latter, as soon as possible. If you have identified a specialisation and a suitable potential tutor, please email the course convenor and indicate whether you have spoken to the faculty member concerned. Please bear in mind that faculty have many constraints on their time and it may not be possible to offer you the specialisation/faculty member of your choice, or indeed to offer the module, at all times. Finally, please note that, in consultation with faculty involved in the delivery of your MA programme, the course convenor may suggest that you consider an existing option instead of this module if this is felt to be more appropriate and of greater benefit to you.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here - you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.

On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills1. Through guided supervision, demonstrate an advanced knowledge of the particular themes, theories, and approaches examined in the tutorial.
2. Demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of the readings, theories and approaches investigated in the tutorial using linguistic skills to read texts in Middle Eastern languages
Discipline-Specific Skills3. Demonstrate analytically how to contextualize the readings, theories and approaches within the wider field of Middle East and Islamic Studies
4. Demonstrate the ability to undertake research, construct a bibliography and ground one's research within the field of Middle East and Islamic Studies
Personal and Key Skills5. Demonstrate understanding and analysis of research undertaken in oral and written forms
6. Demonstrate the absorption, critical analysis of readings and approaches undertaken