Module POLM082 for 2021/2
- Overview
- Aims and Learning Outcomes
- Module Content
- Indicative Reading List
- Assessment
Postgraduate Module Descriptor
POLM082: International Relations of the Middle East
This module descriptor refers to the 2021/2 academic year.
Module Aims
The main aims of the module are: to introduce students to the diversity and depth of an International Relations (IR) analysis of MENA politics; to discuss the application to this region of general IR theories, theories of regionalism and foreign policy analysis; to develop critical analysis of sources, paradigms, writers and policies; and to deepen students’ knowledge of key events, trends and actors in the region.
| On successfully completing the programme you will be able to: | |
|---|---|
| Module-Specific Skills | 1. demonstrate in-depth knowledge of key issues in the International politics of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA); 2. demonstrate a detailed and critical understanding of the actors, dynamics and trends in the regional politics; 3. demonstrate familiarity with, and critical application of, the main analytical frameworks that relate to the international relations of the MENA |
| Discipline-Specific Skills | 4. find, use and analyse secondary and primary data relevant to specific issue areas; 5. place contemporary issues in larger contexts; 6. deploy critical arguments in analysing issues and evaluating sources |
| Personal and Key Skills | 7. work independently and in groups including the presentation of material for group discussion; 8. demonstrate strong analytical skills; digest, select and organise material; and 9. demonstrate excellent writing skills including the ability to produce well organised and coherent essays to a deadline; practice in articulating and defending positions on the seminar topics |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-depth discussion on specified topics on the basis of set readings | Weekly | 1-9 | Oral feedback |
| Small and large group discussions and analysis of case studies | Weekly | 1-9 | Oral feedback |
| Student presentations on essay topics | Weekly | 1-9 | Oral feedback |
| Role-playing and simulation exercises | Weekly | 1-9 | Oral 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Book review | 40 | 2,500 words | 1-9 | Written feedback |
| Essay | 60 | 5,500 words | 1-9 | Written feedback |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Book review | Book review (2,500 words) | 1-9 | August/September reassessment period |
| Essay | Essay (5,500 words) | 1-9 | August/September reassessment period |
