Crisis Zone: Middle Eastern Politics

Subject ISLM20015 (2012)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2012.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 2 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2012:

Semester 2, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: One 1.5-hour lecture and a 1-hour tutorial per week
Total Time Commitment: Total Time Commitment to Study 8.5
Prerequisites: None.
Corequisites: None.
Recommended Background Knowledge: None.
Non Allowed Subjects: None.
Core Participation Requirements: For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Coordinator

Prof Shahram Akbarzadeh

Contact

Prof S Akbarzadeh
Subject Overview:

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 US-led campaign in Afghanistan and the 2003 war on Iraq and its impact on relations between the West and the Muslim states of the Middle East. 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.
Objectives:
  • have an understanding of the major political issues which have shaped the modern Middle East from the early 20th century.
  • have an appreciation of the impact of external actors in the political history of the Middle East.
  • have an understanding of the ways in which religion has been used by political actors in the region.
Assessment:

A 2,500 word essay 35% (due week 7), a 2-hour written examination 55% (due during the examination period) and continuous tutorial participation 10%.

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. Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

Prescribed Texts:

Baxter and Akbarzadeh, US Foreign Policy in the Middle East: the rise anti-Americanism, Routledge, 2008
Recommended Texts:

Akbarzadeh S, Uzbekistan and the United States, Zed Books, 2005
Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

Students who successfully complete this subject should

  • have a critical understanding of the ways in which Middle Eastern politics are represented in the Australian/Western media.
  • have improved oral skills through active participation in tutorials .
  • have improved writing and research skills through the completion of the essay and an enhanced ability to write under pressure through the exam .
Notes: None.
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Hebrew and Jewish Studies
International Studies Major
Islamic Studies
Islamic Studies
Islamic Studies
Islamic Studies Major

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