IR3300 Conflict in the Middle East

Academic year

2024 to 2025 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

30

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 9

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

Wed 11am

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr W Naboulsi

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Dr Wassim Naboulsi

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module examines conflict in the modern Middle East looking at the causes, development and consequences of different types of conflict in the region including interstate, civil war, ethnic, religious and terrorism. It examines the historical formation of the nation state system in the Middle East and the development of competing ideologies. The legacies of these processes are explored through case studies including the Arab-Israeli conflict, Lebanon and Iraq. The region has been characterised by authoritarian regimes and this legacy and the impact of the 2011 Uprisings will be explored including conflicts in Syria, Libya and Yemen. Developments within Shia Islam will be covered in relation to the Islamic Republic of Iran and its impact on regional security. The question of external intervention in the Middle East is also addressed in relation to Iraq post-2003 and debates relating to responses to the Arab Uprisings.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS IR2006

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 100%

Re-assessment

3-hour Written Examination =100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

1 x 1-hour lecture (x 10 weeks), 1 x 1-hour tutorial (x 10 weeks), The class will be divided into multiple tutorial groups to allow small group discussion.

Scheduled learning hours

20

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

280

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • A strong knowledge of the historical, political, socio-economic and strategic causes of conflict in the Middle East
  • A clear understanding of the main issues relevant to past and ongoing conflicts in the region.
  • Awareness of the difficulties and prospects of resolving conflict in the Middle East both between and within states.
  • To identify, assess and utilise appropriate information sources.
  • To assimilate and disseminate, to defend and critically assess data, information and concepts.
  • To articulate this understanding in written and oral form including essays, examination and participation in tutorials.