ATS3580 The modern Middle East

When you finish this unit, you should be able to:

1. 1

   Demonstrate an understanding of the historical, ethnic and religious diversity of the Middle East upon which contemporary political complexity is based.

2. 2

   Show an awareness of the major political cultures, structures, actors and issues in the contemporary Middle East.

3. 3

   Understand the causes of regional conflicts and the preconditions for their resolution, as well as the reasons for persistent authoritarianism and the prospects for political reform and democratisation.

4. 4

   Appreciate the major theories explaining Middle Eastern political realities.

5. 5

   Display an ability for political scrutiny, awareness of the broad range of sources and interpretations of Middle Eastern politics and a careful use of evidence and logical argumentation in discussing Middle Eastern issues.

6. 6

   Demonstrate a greater level of sophistication and independence in their engagement with sources and the questions which they pose.

7. 7

   Demonstrate a deeper understanding of the theoretical issues that underpin the course and an ability to formulate and develop an independent research question which is grounded in a reading and analysis of primary sources.