Module ARA2176 for 2021/2
- Overview
- Aims and Learning Outcomes
- Module Content
- Indicative Reading List
- Assessment
Undergraduate Module Descriptor
ARA2176: Spaces of Domination and Resistance in the Middle-East
This module descriptor refers to the 2021/2 academic year.
Module Aims
In this module, you will gain an in-depth and nuanced understanding of the dynamics of space and place making in the Middle-East and their relation to power. You will become versed in a variety of theories from human and critical geography, anthropology, and politics. You will also engage deeply with the discussion of the spatial dynamics of power in the context of the Middle East and North Africa. In so doing you will explore a broad range of themes including colonialism and nationalism, development and neoliberalism, migrations and mobility, public and private spaces, citiscapes, environment, and nature. You will gain a familiarity with works that are important in both Middle Eastern Studies and geography and social sciences. Through active learning, you will also develop skills that are widely applicable beyond these disciplines, namely critical thinking and analysis, argumentation, presenting skills, and academic writing.
| On successfully completing the programme you will be able to: | |
|---|---|
| Module-Specific Skills | 1. Demonstrate understanding of the dynamics of space making in their relation to practices of domination and resistance 2. Identify and assess the political, economic, environmental dynamics of the construction and use of space in the Middle East and North Africa 3. Evaluate different theoretical and methodological approaches developed in the study of space and power in the Middle East |
| Discipline-Specific Skills | 4. Analyse and assess academic texts critically 5. Analyse, distinguish a range of sources and methods including academic writing, maps and images, works of art, fictions and memoirs. 6. Apply a multi-disciplinary approach in order to gain a comprehensive understanding of space and power. |
| Personal and Key Skills | 7. Assess and review a wide range of literature and material 8. Engage in independent study and group work 9. Plan and produce work to a deadline |
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 Discussion in Seminar | Weekly, during the seminar | 1-8 | Oral |
| Project Presentation | One 5-10 minutes presentation on the project | 1-9 | Oral |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 50 | 2000 words | 1-9 | Written |
| Project | 50 | Project (students may choose either written work of 2000 words or 15 minutes presentation in class, depending on the project, to be determined with module convenor). Project details will be agreed with module convenor; it can include, but is not limited to: photo essay, map essay, film review, video work, podcast, fiction, play. | 1-9 | Written, or oral and written depending on the project chosen (to be determined with module convenor) |
| 0 | ||||
| 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 (2000 words) | 1-9 | August/September reassessment period |
| Project | Project (2000 words or 15 minutes presentation) | 1-9 | August/September reassessment period |
