International relations
International Relations of the Modern Middle East
Module code: L2065A
Level 6
30 credits in autumn semester
Teaching method: Seminar
Assessment modes: Essay, Coursework
The Middle East remains at the centre-stage of international politics and media. Yet its specificities and complexities continue to challenge politicians and academics alike. This module explores the explanatory potentials of a three-dimensional international, social and historical approach to modern political history of the Middle East. It consists of three major parts:
- it critically surveys the traditional theoretical approaches to the analysis of Middle East politics
- it delineates the broader historical contours of the contemporary politics of the region by retracing the socio-international context and outcomes of the formation of 'modern' Middle Eastern states.
- drawing on the second part, it provides in-depth analysis of three major contemporary political developments in the region, namely The Iranian Revolution, the Arab-Israeli conflict and Iraq War.
The module concludes by a brief evaluation of the broader implications of an international-historical approach to the study of the Middle East for theory and practice of international relations.
Module learning outcomes
- Develop a systematic and critical understanding of the theoretical and conceptual issues involved in the study of the modern politics and history of the Middle East.
- Develop a detailed conceptual understanding of the historical, political and cultural forces shaping the Middle East as it relates to broader international trends.
- Effectively synthesise and communicate the empirical and theoretical uncertainties, ambiguities and limits that are framed by modern Middle Eastern politics.