This course focuses on sectarianism in the Middle East. The growing sectarian tension and conflict between Sunni and Shia Muslims has come to define much of the region’s political landscape. The course’s central aim is to examine the complexities of sectarianism in the Middle East. Its scope extends the nature of the theological divisions between the two sects. More significantly, the course analyses Sunni and Shia identity in various countries in the Middle East, and power politics in the region.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:- identify and comprehend the history of the sectarian divide in Islam between its Sunni and Shia sects, become familiar with the key theological features of Sunni and Shia Islam and the areas in which the sects diverge doctrinally, and have the foundation for understanding the animosity and conflict between members of the sects, in both historical and contemporary terms;
- understand sectarian identity and politics in various countries in the Middle East;
- understand socio-political development in the Middle East and the sectarian tension and conflict in the region; and
- understand the interconnections between religion and politics in general and how that has shaped the attitudes of various actors in the region.
Indicative Assessment
Seminar Participation - 10% (LO's 1-4)Essay (4,000 words) - 50% (LO's 1-4)
Final Exam, 3 hours (held during the formal examination period) - 40% (LO's 1-4)
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Workload
130 hours of total student learning time made up from:a) 36 hours of contact over 12 weeks: 24 hours of lectures and 12 hours of workshop and workshop-like activities; and
b) 94 hours of independent student research, reading and writing
Preliminary Reading
Brigitte Marechal and Sami Zemni, The Dynamics of Sunni-Shia Relationships: Doctrine, Transnationalism, Intellectuals and the Media, (London, Hurst&Company, 2013).
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 1
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2019 | $3840 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2019 | $5460 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4457 | 22 Feb 2021 | 01 Mar 2021 | 31 Mar 2021 | 28 May 2021 | In Person | View |
