Students
POIX3220 – International Relations of the Middle East
2020 – Session 2, Fully online/virtual
Notice
As part of Phase 3 of our return to campus plan, most units will now run tutorials, seminars and other small group learning activities on campus for the second half-year, while keeping an online version available for those students unable to return or those who choose to continue their studies online.
To check the availability of face to face activities for your unit, please go to timetable viewer. To check detailed information on unit assessments visit your unit's iLearn space or consult your unit convenor.
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Vincenzo Scappatura
Matthew Bailey
Lorna Barrow
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
POL278 or POL2780 or POIX278 or POIX2780
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit will introduce students to the key questions in the area of the International Relations of the Middle East. The course will emphasise the interrelatedness of national, regional and international dimensions to the understanding of the making of the contemporary Middle East. Major themes to be explored include globalisation and neo-liberalism, Political Islam, Democratisation and the crisis of government legitimacy across the region. The course will also examine the legacies of the Ottoman Era, Colonialism, the Cold War and the “War on Terror” on the shaping of the modern relations of the Middle East at both the regional and the international levels. The course will generally adopt a synoptic view of the region, by integrating historical and analytical frameworks. The final weeks will be dedicated to the analysis of the relevant case studies as well to the international political economy and the role of other global actors in the Middle East. All enrolment queries should be directed to Open Universities Australia (OUA): see www.open.edu.au |
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:
- ULO1: Undertake independent learning and research throughout the semester.
- ULO2: Outline and critically evaluate theoretical debates related to the international relations of the Middle East.
- ULO3: Outline the contemporary international relations of the Middle East.
- ULO4: Raise awareness of the importance of a critical approach to the study of the international relations of the Middle East.
- ULO5: Effectively communicate their understanding and analytical ability in both spoken and, particularly, polished written form.
General Assessment Information
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Participation | 10% | No | ongoing |
| Essay | 50% | No | 9 October, 2020 |
| Presentation | 10% | No | ongong |
| Exam | 30% | No | 5-12 November, 2020 |
Participation
Assessment Type 1: Participatory task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 10 hours
Due: ongoing
Weighting: 10%
There is an expectation that all students will read the designated readings before coming to lectures and tutorials so that active learning takes place and participation in tutorials occur. The participation grade will be assessed according to evidence and quality of WEEKLY contributions. All students are expected to actively contribute to tutorial discussions on a regular basis. You are expected to provide thoughtful comments, ask questions, and respond to questions in a respectful and disciplined manner each week.
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.
- Raise awareness of the importance of a critical approach to the study of the international relations of the Middle East.
- Effectively communicate their understanding and analytical ability in both spoken and, particularly, polished written form.
Essay
Assessment Type 1: Essay
Indicative Time on Task 2: 50 hours
Due: 9 October, 2020
Weighting: 50%
Write an essay of 2500 words. Choose one essay question provided by the Convenor. Students are expected to utilise the required readings in the unit and undertake independent research.
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.
- Raise awareness of the importance of a critical approach to the study of the international relations of the Middle East.
- Effectively communicate their understanding and analytical ability in both spoken and, particularly, polished written form.
Presentation
Assessment Type 1: Presentation
Indicative Time on Task 2: 10 hours
Due: ongong
Weighting: 10%
Each week a student will lead the class discussion. For external students, these discussions will take place on the iLearn website.
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.
Exam
Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: 5-12 November, 2020
Weighting: 30%
The final exam will be delivered online. It will require students to demonstrate knowledge of the key concepts and debates examined in the unit.
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.
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
- the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
- the Writing Centre for academic skills support.
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation
Delivery and Resources
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:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy (Note: The Special Consideration Policy is effective from 4 December 2017 and replaces the Disruption to Studies Policy.)
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 published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) 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 or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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 help you improve your marks and take control of your study.
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
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
If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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.