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Crisis Zone: Middle Eastern Politics (ISLM30015)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 1
Overview
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This subject will examine the interplay of external and internal factors in inflaming conflict and tension in the Middle East, dubbed the 'crisis zone’. It will cover the role of foreign powers in a number of case studies: the Arab/Israeli conflict. Iran-Iraq war. the Gulf War of 1990-1991, the war on Terror, the Arab Uprisings and the rise of the Islamic Sate. These case studies will illustrate the difficulties in separating ‘national’ from ‘international politics’ and provide a nuanced appreciation of international relations in this vital region.
Intended learning outcomes
Students will attain a detailed knowledge of the political history of the contemporary Middle East through a study of regional religions, political movements and case studies, including the colonial period, Arab-Israeli conflict, US foreign policy, Iranian politics, the Gulf Wars and the Arab Uprisings. The major conflicts of the 20th and 21st centuries will be contextualized within broader international relations.
Develop a strong understanding of the importance of Middle Eastern and Islamic politics in the global order.
Acquire the ability to undertake independent research and develop argumentative writing skills. Time management skills and the ability to produce under pressure through the exam. Enhanced confidence in public speaking skills and the presentation of an argument through continual participation in small group discussions, role playing activities and in class debates.
Last updated: 27 April 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 27 April 2024
Assessment
Additional details
- A 2500 word essay due during the end of semester examination period (60%)
- A 1500 word tutorial journal, due week 10 (30%)
- Continuous tutorial participation (10%)
Hurdle requirement: Class attendance is required for this subject; if you do not attend a minimum of 75% of classes without an approved exemption you will not be eligible for a pass in this subject. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.
Note: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked.
Last updated: 27 April 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Kylie Baxter Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours A total of 36 hours: One 2 hour lecture and a 1 hour tutorial per week Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 27 February 2017 to 28 May 2017 Last self-enrol date 10 March 2017 Census date 31 March 2017 Last date to withdraw without fail 5 May 2017 Assessment period ends 23 June 2017 Semester 1 contact information
Time commitment details
Time commitment totals 170 hours.
Last updated: 27 April 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Baxter and Akbarzadeh, US Foreign Policy in the Middle East: the rise anti-Americanism, Routledge, 2008
Recommended texts and other resources
Akbarzadeh Shahram, America’s Challenges in the Greater Middle East, NY, Palgrave Macmillan, 2011
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Major Politics and International Studies Informal specialisation Graduate Diploma in Arts - Politics and International Studies Major Islamic Studies Informal specialisation Graduate Certificate in Arts - Politics and International Studies Breadth Track Islamic Studies - Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
Last updated: 27 April 2024