Undergraduate Module Descriptor

ANT2021: Anthropology of the Middle East

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

Module Aims

  • To provide you with an overview of past and current anthropological approaches to Middle Eastern societies
  • To draw from ethnographic analyses of particular Middle Eastern countries and cultures to identify common historical social, economic and political experiences
  • To raise critical awareness of the “Middle East” as an idea, tracing some of the politics implicit in representations of its places and people

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. display an in-depth understanding of the diverse cultures societies, histories and institutions of the Middle East and their shared histories;
2. develop complex arguments regarding the methodological and substantive issues associated with the anthropological study of the Middle East;
Discipline-Specific Skills3. critically evaluate contemporary anthropological and related texts;
4. display an in-depth understanding of the discipline's relation to, and difference from, other approaches and explanations offered in the social sciences;
5. appreciate key issues relevant to the contemporary world, and begin to develop critical, comparative and cross-cultural insights;
Personal and Key Skills6. demonstrate transferable skills in formulating, researching and addressing focused questions;
7. prepare focused and comprehensive written presentations;
8. work independently and in collaboration with others;
9. demonstrate cross-cultural understanding, translation and comparison, which will be of advantage in many professional settings;
10. prepare and deliver considered oral arguments.