IR5518 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 11

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

Mondays 11.00am - 1.00pm

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

Module coordinator

Prof F Guiney

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 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 rise of political Islam in the region is explored in both its violent and non-violent manifestations. The region has been characterised by authoritarian regimes and this legacy and the impact of the 2011 Uprisings is examined including conflicts in Syria, Libya and Yemen. The link between identity and threat is discussed in relation to the Islamic Republic of Iran and its impact on regional security. External intervention in the region is addressed in relation to Iraq post-2003 and debates relating to responses to the 2011 Uprisings.

Assessment pattern

100% Coursework

Re-assessment

100% Written Examination

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

1 lecture and 1 seminar per week (may run online)

Scheduled learning hours

22

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

Guided independent study hours

278

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, presentations and participation in tutorials.