Students

POL 322 – International Relations of the Middle East

2018 – S2 External

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Jumana Bayeh
Contact via 9850 8854
The Australian Hearing Hub
TBA
Credit points Credit points
3
Prerequisites Prerequisites
39cp at 100 level or above or (6cp in HIST or MHIS or POL units at 200 level including 3cp in POL)
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit introduces students to the international politics of the Middle East, which includes patterns of interaction between the states of the region, and also relations between the region and the world. Topics covered include: the war against terrorism; the Arab–Israeli conflict; conflicts and interventions in the Persian Gulf; inter-Arab politics; and economic dependence and development in both their regional and international dimensions from the perspective of international relations. The first part of the unit concentrates on epistemological and historical issues involved in the analysis of the Middle East as a regional system, and its place in the international system. The unit then moves on to an investigation of globalisation and democratisation in the Middle East, the prevalence of rogue states in the region and ways of containing them and several of the endemic conflict situations that exist. The conflicts to be examined are the Israel–Palestine confrontation, the Iraq wars, and the war against terrorism. The unit also examines the impact of the New World Order on the Middle East.

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:

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

General Assessment Information

Faculty policy on late penalties. 

Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – two (2) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g. quizzes, online tests.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Class Presentation 10% No Ongoing
Class Participation 10% No Ongoing
Activities 30% No Week 3 16/8; Week 9 11/10
Research Essay 50% No 31 October, 5pm

Class Presentation

Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 10%

Each week a student will lead the class discussion. For external students, these discussions will take place on the iLearn website. Allocations of seminar weeks will take place in the first seminar.


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

Class Participation

Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 10%

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:
  • Undertake independent learning and research throughout the semester.
  • Outline the contemporary international relations of the Middle East.
  • Effectively communicate their understanding and analytical ability in both spoken and, particularly, polished written form.
  • Participate and lead, when necessary, in class discussions.
  • Raise awareness of the importance of a critical approach to the study of the international relations of the Middle East.

Activities

Due: Week 3 16/8; Week 9 11/10
Weighting: 30%

This assessment takes place in weeks 3 and 9, when classes will be taught in "flipped" mode. The due dates are 16 August, 5pm (week 3) and 11 October, 5pm (week 9). 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:
  • Outline and critically evaluate theoretical debates related to the international relations of the Middle East.
  • Effectively communicate their understanding and analytical ability in both spoken and, particularly, polished written form.
  • Use a wide range of written and digital resources related to Middle East politics and international relations theory.
  • Raise awareness of the importance of a critical approach to the study of the international relations of the Middle East.

Research Essay

Due: 31 October, 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 2000 words in length. Further details will be provided in class.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Undertake independent learning and research throughout the semester.
  • Outline and critically evaluate theoretical debates related to the international relations of the Middle East.
  • Outline the contemporary international relations of the Middle East.
  • Effectively communicate their understanding and analytical ability in both spoken and, particularly, polished written form.
  • Participate and lead, when necessary, in class discussions.
  • Use a wide range of written and digital resources related to Middle East politics and international relations theory.
  • 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 (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/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/study/getting-started/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

Creative and Innovative

Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Undertake independent learning and research throughout the semester.
  • Effectively communicate their understanding and analytical ability in both spoken and, particularly, polished written form.
  • Participate and lead, when necessary, in class discussions.
  • Use a wide range of written and digital resources related to Middle East politics and international relations theory.
  • Raise awareness of the importance of a critical approach to the study of the international relations of the Middle East.

Assessment task

  • Research Essay

Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative

We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Outline and critically evaluate theoretical debates related to the international relations of the Middle East.
  • Effectively communicate their understanding and analytical ability in both spoken and, particularly, polished written form.
  • Raise awareness of the importance of a critical approach to the study of the international relations of the Middle East.

Assessment tasks

  • Class Presentation
  • Class Participation

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Outline and critically evaluate theoretical debates related to the international relations of the Middle East.
  • Participate and lead, when necessary, in class discussions.
  • Use a wide range of written and digital resources related to Middle East politics and international relations theory.

Assessment tasks

  • Class Presentation
  • Class Participation
  • Activities
  • Research Essay

Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Outline and critically evaluate theoretical debates related to the international relations of the Middle East.
  • Outline the contemporary international relations of the Middle East.
  • Participate and lead, when necessary, in class discussions.
  • Use a wide range of written and digital resources related to Middle East politics and international relations theory.
  • Raise awareness of the importance of a critical approach to the study of the international relations of the Middle East.

Assessment tasks

  • Class Participation
  • Activities
  • Research Essay

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

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

Assessment tasks

  • Class Presentation
  • Class Participation
  • Activities
  • Research Essay

Problem Solving and Research Capability

Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

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

Assessment tasks

  • Class Presentation
  • Class Participation
  • Activities
  • Research Essay

Effective Communication

We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

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

Assessment tasks

  • Class Presentation
  • Class Participation
  • Activities
  • Research Essay

Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens

As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Undertake independent learning and research throughout the semester.
  • Outline and critically evaluate theoretical debates related to the international relations of the Middle East.
  • Outline the contemporary international relations of the Middle East.
  • Raise awareness of the importance of a critical approach to the study of the international relations of the Middle East.

Assessment task

  • Research Essay

Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible

We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Participate and lead, when necessary, in class discussions.
  • Use a wide range of written and digital resources related to Middle East politics and international relations theory.
  • Raise awareness of the importance of a critical approach to the study of the international relations of the Middle East.

Assessment tasks

  • Class Presentation
  • Class Participation