Postgraduate Module Descriptor

ARAM236: Sociology and Anthropology of the Gulf and the Arabian Peninsula

This module descriptor refers to the 2021/2 academic year.

Module Aims

The main aim of this module is to provide you with specialised knowledge and critical understanding of the societies of the contemporary Gulf and Arabian Peninsula. This module aims particularly at exploring the social dynamics and fracture lines at work in this region and to show how social categories are historically and politically constructed. Through deconstructing the supposed Gulf exceptionalism, this course further aims to develop your analytical thinking skills as independent researchers and your intellectual ability to place issues discussed in a wider context, beyond common knowledge immediately available in the media, or conventional readings of the region’s society, politics and economy.

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. Identify and critically assess the main contemporary social dynamics in the societies of the Gulf and the Arabian Peninsula, including the historical foundations of social structures and hierarchies; the debates about migration and citizenship; the organisation and production of Gulf cities; and the narratives and counter-narratives of modernity.
2. Critically evaluate different analytical and methodological approaches and concepts in the study of societies of the Arabian Peninsula.
Discipline-Specific Skills3. Demonstrate an ability to draw from broader concepts in sociology and anthropology, and to analyse the Gulf and the Arabian Peninsula through conceptual lenses established in the study of other regions of the world.
4. Demonstrate an ability to embrace a multi-disciplinary approach in order to gain a comprehensive understanding of the topic.
5. Analyse and assess academic texts and prevailing notions critically.
Personal and Key Skills6. Demonstrate skills of reasoned and supported argumentation in writing and in oral presentation.
7. Demonstrate skills of finding, analysing and synthesising information from a range of sources.
8. Engage in independent study and group work, including the presentation of material for group discussion.