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Crisis Zone: Middle Eastern Politics (ISLM20015)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Overview
Availability | Semester 2 |
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Fees | Look up fees |
This introductory subject will examine the interplay of external and internal factors in inflaming conflict and tension in the Middle East in the 20th century. It will cover the role of colonial powers, religion, gender politics and foreign actors in a number of case studies: the Arab/Israeli conflict, Iranian politics, US policy and the establishment of organizations such as HAMAS, Hezbollah and al-Qaeda.
This subject will provide a firm grounding in the political, historical and societal experiences that created the modern Middle East. These case studies will illustrate the difficulties in separating ‘national’ from ‘international politics’ and provide a nuanced appreciation of international relations in the Middle East.
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: 17 May 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: 17 May 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: 17 May 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Coordinator Kylie Baxter Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 23 July 2018 to 21 October 2018 Last self-enrol date 3 August 2018 Census date 31 August 2018 Last date to withdraw without fail 21 September 2018 Assessment period ends 16 November 2018
Time commitment details
Time commitment totals 170 hours.
Last updated: 17 May 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 Specialisation (formal) Graduate Certificate in Arts - Hebrew and Jewish Studies Specialisation (formal) Hebrew and Jewish Studies Major Hebrew and Jewish Studies Major Islamic Studies Informal specialisation Hebrew - Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 17 May 2024