Undergraduate Module Descriptor

ARA1036: Histories of the Middle East, 600-1800 C.E.

This module descriptor refers to the 2019/0 academic year.

Module Aims

The primary aim of this module is to provide an introduction (including for those of you with no prior background) to the complex history of the Middle East utilising a variety of sources and providing relevant social and historical context. An important secondary aim (which is indispensable for fulfilling the primary aim) is to help you become aware of and begin to appreciate the multi-faceted nature of Middle Eastern polities. The module also aims to provide you with an introduction to the major themes, issues, and events in Middle Eastern history. This context will help you to appreciate how historians interpret the past and the nature of scholarly debate about different interpretations of that past, allowing you to participate with confidence in these debates, as well as providing you with a sound basis for your future studies.

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 your knowledge of some key themes, issues, and events in modern Middle Eastern history
2. identify and explain in your own words (orally and in writing) major themes, issues, and events in Middle Eastern history
Discipline-Specific Skills3. demonstrate understanding of how history is written and to appreciate that history is only the attempt to represent and explain the past, it is not the past itself
4. read history critically
5. discuss and debate different historical explanations of past events.
6. respect different points of view about the past
Personal and Key Skills7. think critically about issues and events.
8. examine the motives underlying human action