Undergraduate Module Descriptor

ARA2118: Gender-Identity and Modernity in the Middle East

This module descriptor refers to the 2016/7 academic year.

Module Aims

The module explores interrelationships between gender, identity and modernity in the contemporary Middle East. It provides a critical analysis of the various debates, tensions and transformations that are linked to changing gender relations in the region. These debates are framed within the parameters of modernisation, nationalism, feminism and Islamism. A critique of modernity in the context of the Middle East involves a close examination of the traditional vs. modern and authentic vs. western dichotomies, which are not only prevalent in academic writings, but also constitute forceful oppositions in the cultural, historical and political discourses within the region.

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 Skills	1. demonstrate an ability to identify and assess the changing social, cultural, economic and political contexts that shape gender roles and relations. 2. critically evaluate different theoretical and methodological approaches employed in the study of gender in the Middle East
Discipline-Specific Skills	3. demonstrate ability to analyse and assess academic texts and prevailing cultural notions critically 4. demonstrate ability to distinguish between a range of methodological approaches as well as variety of genres, i.e. anthropological and sociological texts, (auto)biographical writings and fiction
Personal and Key Skills	5. demonstrate ability to engage in independent study and group work, including the presentation of material for group discussion 6. demonstrate an ability to digest, select and organise material to produce, to a deadline, a coherent and cogent argument, developed through the mode of assessment 7. demonstrate a capacity to critically examine and review existing literature. 8. demonstrate an awareness and be sensitised to the various processes by which gender, i.e. femaleness and maleness, are socially and culturally constructed

How this Module is Assessed

In the tables below, you will see reference to 'ILO's. An ILO is an Intended Learning Outcome - see Aims and Learning Outcomes for details of the ILOs for this module.

Formative Assessment

A formative assessment is designed to give you feedback on your understanding of the module content but it will not count towards your mark for the module.

Form of assessment	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
Class presentation	20 Minutes	1-8	Verbal feedback

Summative Assessment

A summative assessment counts towards your mark for the module. The table below tells you what percentage of your mark will come from which type of assessment.

Coursework	Written exams	Practical exams
70	30	0

...and this table provides further details on the summative assessments for this module.

Form of assessment	% of credit	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
Essay	35	1,500 words	1-8	Written feedback Verbal feedback (if required)
Written examination	30	1 hours	1-8	Written feedback Verbal feedback (if required)
5 best reaction papers	35	Brief weekly 'reaction papers' based on readings and marked	1-8	Written feedback Verbal feedback (if required)
	0
	0
	0

Re-assessment

Re-assessment takes place when the summative assessment has not been completed by the original deadline, and the student has been allowed to refer or defer it to a later date (this only happens following certain criteria and is always subject to exam board approval). For obvious reasons, re-assessments cannot be the same as the original assessment and so these alternatives are set. In cases where the form of assessment is the same, the content will nevertheless be different.

Original form of assessment	Form of re-assessment	ILOs re-assessed	Timescale for re-assessment
Essay	Essay	1-8	1st September
Written examination	Written examination	1-8	August/September assessment period
5 best reaction papers	5 best reaction papers	1-8	1st September

Re-assessment notes

All three assessments are required for this module. Where you have been referred/ deferred for the essay, exam, and/or reaction papers, you will have the opportunity to complete these parts of the assessment by the above indicated date.