Students

IRPG843 – International Relations of the Middle East

2017 – S2 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Jumana Bayeh
Contact via 9850 8854
W6A 418
TBA
Credit points Credit points
4
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MIntRel or PGDipIntRel or MIntCommMIntRel or MIntBusMIntRel or MIntRelMIntTrdeComLaw or MTransInterMIntRel or GradCertIntRel or GradDipIntRel
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit provides a study of the international relations of the Middle East in both its regional and global aspects, including in the 'New World Order'. After a study of the special epistemological issues involved in Middle Eastern studies and the Middle East in International Relations, the unit investigates key themes such as colonialism, nationalism, the Cold War, Political Islam, democratisation and globalisation.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • A. Undertake independent learning and research throughout the semester.
  • B. Outline and critically evaluate theoretical debates related to the international relations of the Middle East.
  • F. Use a wide range of written and digital resources related to Middle East politics and international relations theory.
  • E. Participate and lead, when necessary, in class discussions.
  • D. Effectively communicate their understanding and analytical ability in both spoken and, particularly, polished written form.
  • C. Outline the contemporary international relations of the Middle East.
  • G. Raise awareness of the importance of a critical approach to the study of the international relations of the Middle East.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Seminar Activities 20% No Ongoing
Seminar Presentation 15% No Ongoing
Seminar Participation 15% No Ongoing
Major Research Essay 50% No 9 November, 5pm

Seminar Activities

Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 20%

Two weeks of the semester (weeks 4 and 9) will be taught in flipped mode. Learning activities will be posted on iLearn and all students are expected to complete them. Further instructions will be given in class and on iLearn. These tasks are to be completed by all students – internal and external.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • A. Undertake independent learning and research throughout the semester.
  • B. Outline and critically evaluate theoretical debates related to the international relations of the Middle East.
  • F. Use a wide range of written and digital resources related to Middle East politics and international relations theory.
  • E. Participate and lead, when necessary, in class discussions.
  • D. Effectively communicate their understanding and analytical ability in both spoken and, particularly, polished written form.
  • C. Outline the contemporary international relations of the Middle East.
  • G. Raise awareness of the importance of a critical approach to the study of the international relations of the Middle East.

Seminar Presentation

Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 15%

Each student is to lead the class discussion for one week. External will do this online. Please see iLearn study guide for further details. 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • B. Outline and critically evaluate theoretical debates related to the international relations of the Middle East.
  • F. Use a wide range of written and digital resources related to Middle East politics and international relations theory.
  • E. Participate and lead, when necessary, in class discussions.
  • D. Effectively communicate their understanding and analytical ability in both spoken and, particularly, polished written form.
  • G. Raise awareness of the importance of a critical approach to the study of the international relations of the Middle East.

Seminar Participation

Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 15%

Students are expected to have read all the compulsory readings each week and come to class prepared to discuss them. External students are required to make at least one post each week in relation to the set topic. Please see iLearn study guide for further details. 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • A. Undertake independent learning and research throughout the semester.
  • E. Participate and lead, when necessary, in class discussions.
  • D. Effectively communicate their understanding and analytical ability in both spoken and, particularly, polished written form.
  • C. Outline the contemporary international relations of the Middle East.
  • G. Raise awareness of the importance of a critical approach to the study of the international relations of the Middle East.

Major Research Essay

Due: 9 November, 5pm
Weighting: 50%

A list of essay questions will be provided in class. Students are to select one question and through rigorous research and analysis, form a coherent, well-argued and well-written answer in essay form. The essay should be 2500 words in length. Further details will be provided in class.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • A. Undertake independent learning and research throughout the semester.
  • B. Outline and critically evaluate theoretical debates related to the international relations of the Middle East.
  • F. Use a wide range of written and digital resources related to Middle East politics and international relations theory.
  • D. Effectively communicate their understanding and analytical ability in both spoken and, particularly, polished written form.
  • G. Raise awareness of the importance of a critical approach to the study of the international relations of the Middle East.

Delivery and Resources

Delivery: This unit has one 1 hour lecture per week that all students are expected to attend. There is also one 2 hour seminar per week that each student must also attend. The seminars are complusory and it is university policy that you must attend 80% of your seminars. You will instantly fail this unit if you attend less than 80% of seminars.

Resources: The unit guide contains a list of resources for you to consult. Other resources will be made available on iLearn.

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html

Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html

Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html

Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html​

Disruption to Studies Policy (in effect until Dec 4th, 2017): http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html

Special Consideration Policy (in effect from Dec 4th, 2017): https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration

In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/

Results

Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative

Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • B. Outline and critically evaluate theoretical debates related to the international relations of the Middle East.
  • E. Participate and lead, when necessary, in class discussions.
  • G. Raise awareness of the importance of a critical approach to the study of the international relations of the Middle East.

Assessment tasks

  • Seminar Activities
  • Seminar Presentation
  • Seminar Participation
  • Major Research Essay

PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills

Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • A. Undertake independent learning and research throughout the semester.
  • B. Outline and critically evaluate theoretical debates related to the international relations of the Middle East.
  • F. Use a wide range of written and digital resources related to Middle East politics and international relations theory.
  • E. Participate and lead, when necessary, in class discussions.
  • D. Effectively communicate their understanding and analytical ability in both spoken and, particularly, polished written form.
  • C. Outline the contemporary international relations of the Middle East.
  • G. Raise awareness of the importance of a critical approach to the study of the international relations of the Middle East.

Assessment task

  • Major Research Essay

PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • A. Undertake independent learning and research throughout the semester.
  • B. Outline and critically evaluate theoretical debates related to the international relations of the Middle East.
  • F. Use a wide range of written and digital resources related to Middle East politics and international relations theory.
  • D. Effectively communicate their understanding and analytical ability in both spoken and, particularly, polished written form.
  • C. Outline the contemporary international relations of the Middle East.
  • G. Raise awareness of the importance of a critical approach to the study of the international relations of the Middle East.

Assessment tasks

  • Seminar Participation
  • Major Research Essay

PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability

Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • B. Outline and critically evaluate theoretical debates related to the international relations of the Middle East.
  • F. Use a wide range of written and digital resources related to Middle East politics and international relations theory.
  • G. Raise awareness of the importance of a critical approach to the study of the international relations of the Middle East.

Assessment tasks

  • Seminar Activities
  • Seminar Presentation
  • Seminar Participation
  • Major Research Essay

PG - Effective Communication

Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • E. Participate and lead, when necessary, in class discussions.
  • D. Effectively communicate their understanding and analytical ability in both spoken and, particularly, polished written form.
  • G. Raise awareness of the importance of a critical approach to the study of the international relations of the Middle East.

Assessment tasks

  • Seminar Activities
  • Seminar Presentation
  • Major Research Essay

PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens

Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • A. Undertake independent learning and research throughout the semester.
  • B. Outline and critically evaluate theoretical debates related to the international relations of the Middle East.
  • E. Participate and lead, when necessary, in class discussions.
  • G. Raise awareness of the importance of a critical approach to the study of the international relations of the Middle East.

Assessment tasks

  • Seminar Activities
  • Seminar Presentation
  • Seminar Participation