The module is designed to provide students with an advanced understanding of politics in the Middle East. The module covers various social (e.g. identities), economic (e.g. role of natural resources) and religious (e.g. role of Islam) themes, and thus provides students with a wide-ranging perspective from which to analyse the political life of the region. Particular emphasis is placed on the nature and causes of conflict and political violence, and on the role of the state. The module also focuses on the historical development of the region as a way of helping students to understand the nature and causes of its contemporary political situation.
Private Study: 178
Contact Hours: 22
Total: 200
This module is optional to all students on MA courses within the School of Politics and International Relations.
Also available as an elective module
Main assessment methods
Essay 1, 2,500 words (50%)
Essay 2, 3,500 words (50%)
Reassessment methods:
100% coursework
The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices.
The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages.
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Demonstrate an advanced understanding of key features of politics in the Middle East
2 Undertake high-level analysis of core concepts, theories and debates relating to the outbreak and resolution of political conflict.
3 Relate their understanding of Middle Eastern politics to theories and analyses of politics within the wider international system.
4 Relate the concepts and findings of studies of Middle Eastern politics to core debates within the discipline at an advanced level.
5 Understand at an advanced level the relationship between current features of Middle Eastern politics and historical developments and patterns in the region.
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