BA History / Course details

his introductory course offers an in-depth exploration of the History and Politics of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), encompassing a diverse array of topics including geography, history, politics, economics, society, religion, gender, literature, arts, and cinema.  

Throughout the course unit, we will engage with two central thematic questions that connect the various sections:  

What, if anything, is distinctive and exceptional about the Middle East and North Africa?  

How has the MENA region transformed during the modern age?  

To better understand these complex issues, the course will provide a robust theoretical framework through the study of Edward Said’s influential works including Orientalism and Covering Islam. Students will also be introduced to a variety of sources that relate to the history, cultures, and politics of MENA. This will include reference materials, survey works, focused studies on specific subjects, and valuable Internet resources.  

The primary objective of this module is to establish a solid foundation for a deeper study of the MENA region while simultaneously facilitating the development of intellectual and transferable personal skills essential for academic and professional success.  

This course aims to:

Introduce Students to a Dynamic Region: Engage students in the study of the rapidly evolving Middle East and North Africa (MENA) from a multidisciplinary perspective. This module will clarify any misconceptions students may have about the MENA region, challenging preconceived stereotypes often perpetuated by the media that portray it solely as a conflict-ridden area.

Develop a Comprehensive Understanding: Provide students with a well-rounded understanding of the MENA region through diverse lenses, including History, Politics, and Culture.

Lay the Groundwork for Future Studies: Establish a solid foundation for students preparing to undertake various Middle Eastern Studies modules at advanced levels.

Guide Academic Pathways: Assist students in determining their pathways for further study related to the MENA region

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

Acquire Knowledge: Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the history and politics of the diverse and ever-changing MENA region.

Challenge Stereotypes: Develop an informed perspective on the MENA region and its people, moving beyond superficial media portrayals.

Engage with Theoretical Issues: Understand and discuss the theoretical frameworks underlying the study of the MENA region from a multidisciplinary viewpoint.

Familiarize with Core Texts: Exhibit familiarity with essential readings and core texts in Middle Eastern Studies.

Master Key Concepts: Command key concepts and terminologies pertinent to the multidisciplinary study of the MENA region.  

Lectures:  

Week 1 – Introduction to the module 

Week 2 –Definitions: Identifying and Locating the MENA and its peoples 

Week 3 – Society: Gender and Kinship, Ethnicity and Identity 

Week 4 – Orientalism: Edward Said and the Problems of Studying the MENA 

Week 5 – History and Politics: The Formation of the Modern Middle Eastern State System 

Week 6 – READING WEEK

Week 7 – Economy: The Middle Eastern Economies and the Role of Oil 

Week 8 – Religion in MENA: Political Islam 

Week 9 – Religion: Sectarianism

Week 10 – Cinema and Politics in MENA 

Week 11 – MENA Literature, Arts and Music as Political Voices

Tutorials:  

Students will be assigned to small groups for weekly tutorials.

These will consist of discussing allocated readings on a weekly basis.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

• Relate their learning experiences to the social, cultural, political, and other dimensions which characterize the Middle East and North Africa.
• Gain a good understanding about the history, cultures, religions, and the politics of the region and its people.
• Build awareness about the diversity which distinguishes the MENA as well as its Cultures, religions and populations.
• Gain access to the study of a range of specialist areas within the discipline

By the end of this course students will be able to:

• Develop their analytical and critical thinking
• Gain skills in synthesis and analysis of data and information
• Develop advanced skills of written and verbal communication
• Improve their abilities of organization and expression of ideas

By the end of this course students will be able to:

• Increase their discussion and debating ethics
• Use library, electronic and online resources
• Improve their reporting skills
• Develop their group ethos
• Engage in self and peer review/evaluation

By the end of this course students will be able to:

• Gain skills in independent learning.
• Develop their abilities in co-operative learning and team work.
• Develop their time management and punctuality skills
• Gain skills in debating and presentation
• Apply Subject Knowledge
• Understand group dynamics and intercultural backgrounds in the use of negotiating skills to reach objectives.

Resit Assessment

1. Dale F. Eickelman, The Middle East and Central Asia: An Anthropological Approach, (Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, third edition 1998)
2. Gerner J. D. and G. Schwedler (eds), Understanding the Contemporary Middle East (Boulder CO and London: Lynn Rienner, 2004)
3. Khalaf, S., and R.S. Khalaf, Arab Society and Culture: An essential guide ( London: Saqi Books, 2010)
4. Owen, R., State, Power and Politics in the Making of the Modern Middle East (London: Routledge, 2000).
5. Said W. E., Orientalism: Western Conceptions of the Orient (London: Penguin, 2003)
6. Salhi, Z S., Gender and Diversity in the Middle East and North Africa (London: Routledge, 2010).

Opening Lecture 
The opening lecture will provide students with a comprehensive overview of the module, including its content, assessment methods, weekly readings, and tutorial structure. Subsequent lectures will delve into the detailed syllabus, ensuring a thorough understanding of the course material.

Module Coordination 
While the module leader will coordinate the overall structure and delivery of select lectures, other faculty members from the AMES department will contribute by sharing their specific expertise in various topics.

Lecture and Tutorial Integration 
Each lecture will introduce the theme of the weekly reading, which will then be explored in greater detail during the following week's tutorial. Readings will be distributed in advance and uploaded to Blackboard for easy access.

Preparation and Participation 
Students are expected to arrive at lectures and tutorials well-prepared, having completed all required readings beforehand. Active participation in class discussions is essential, as it enriches the learning experience for everyone involved. Taking notes during lectures is highly encouraged, as these will serve as valuable resources for exam preparation.

Tutorials 
In the tutorials, students will engage in discussions centred on the weekly readings introduced in the preceding lecture. It is crucial for students to prepare these readings in advance to facilitate meaningful engagement and critical contributions to group discussions.

Students will also be assigned readings ahead of time to prepare for their 15-minute seminar presentations. These presentations will further enhance their understanding and ability to articulate their insights.

Ongoing Engagement 
The weekly reading assignments require consistent work outside of class, including close analysis of assigned texts, note-taking, summarization, and the organization of notes in a clear format. The readings will be contextualized and discussed during classes, providing a deeper understanding of the material.