Postgraduate Module Descriptor


POLM651: State and Society in the Middle East

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

Module Aims

This module explores concepts, themes, ideologies and issues which are key to the study of politics and society in the Middle East. The aim of this module is to enable you to understand the patterns of state-society interaction, the bases upon which social and political forces are constituted, and the forms of power deployed in the interplay between state and societal actors.  The module has three main objectives: examine the analytical and conceptual tools used to understand and explain state-society relations; familiarise you with the different perspectives and debates within the field of Middle East politics; expand your empirical knowledge of the region by examining specific case studies during the seminars.

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. Demonstrate familiarity with concepts and analytical tools applied to study politics and society in the Middle East.
2. Show familiarity with the forms of societal organisations and modes of social and political action.
Discipline-Specific Skills3. Critically analyse primary and secondary source material.
4. Understand and use social theory.
Personal and Key Skills5. Work effectively in a group and independently.
6. Conduct critical analyses and evaluation of the subject topics in writing and oral presentations.