This interdisciplinary course will examine the emergence of the modern Middle East.  It will be organised thematically rather than chronologically and its aim is to acquaint beginning students with the major historical, religious, social, economic, and political dimensions of the Middle East. 

Students will be exposed to lectures and a variety of readings that cover such topics as the construction of identities, the place of tradition and history, the impact of imperialism, the development of nationalism, and the reasons for revolution and conflict in the region.  The course will also look at the contemporary challenges of globalisation, religious radicalisation, democratisation, and transnational terrorism.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge & understanding of the  important events, places, and time periods in the development of the modern Middle East. 
2. Demonstrate an ability to comprehend  historical and political developments &   how they  relate to underlying cultural, social, and religious trends in the region and to broader forces such as imperialism, conflict, and radicalism. 
3. Critically analyse some of the developments in the modern Middle East and   to question whether these trends and forces make the Middle East unique or exceptional. 
4. Demonstrate the capacity to develop evidence based argument & evaluation by  drawing on specific historical and contemporary examples, and by evaluating  differing perspectives on key Middle Eastern issues. 
5. Participate in group discussions about contested concepts with confidence and with tolerance for other points of view.

This course also aims to achieve the following generic learning outcomes:
6. Prioritising material:  Students will learn how to manage a large amount of empirical material and order it in a comprehensible manner.
7. Synthesis:  Students will be able to draw on the material presented in lectures and the readings to make connections and draw conclusions.
8. Critical thinking:  Students will learn how to look at contested interpretations of history, culture, and politics and to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses. 
9. Communication:  Through tutorials and essays, students will learn how to present their ideas, both verbally and in writing, in a structured and clear way.

Research-Led Teaching

The lecture content will include scholarly research in the field of contemporary and historical Arab and Middle Eastern Studies including the lecturer’s own research. In addition, other data, research and concepts will be presented during the lectures that are not covered in the weekly readings. This material will be sourced from scholarly journals and presses, research institutes, consultancies, and international agencies. During the tutorials, students will have the opportunity to analyse, apply, and present on contemporary and historical developments, relevant theoretical concepts, and issues related to the contemporary Middle East.

Field Trips

There are no field trips in this course.

Additional Course Costs

There are no expected additional class costs for this course.

Examination Material or equipment

No examination material or equipment is necessary.

Required Resources

The required resources for this course - specifically course readings - will be available for download on Wattle.

Recommended Resources

Whether you are on campus or studying remotely, there are a variety of online platforms you will use to participate in your study program. These could include videos for lectures and other instruction, two-way video conferencing for interactive learning, email and other messaging tools for communication, interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities, print and/or photo/scan for handwritten work and drawings, and home-based assessment.

ANU outlines recommended student system requirements to ensure you are able to participate fully in your learning. Other information is also available about the various Learning Platforms you may use.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Week 1: Introduction to the Modern Middle East
2	Week 2: The Construction of Identities
3	Week 3: The Weight of History and ‘Tradition': Muslim, Jewish and Christian Societies
4	Week 4: Empires and the Legacy of Imperialism	Podcast (20%) due 5:00 pm Wednesday of Week 4
5	Week 5: States and Nationalism
6	Week 6: Modernisation and Women
7	Week 7: Economies and Populations
8	Week 8: Revolutions, Civil Wars, and Cross Borders Conflict	Research Essay (40%) due 5:00 pm Wednesday of Week 8
9	Week 9: Democracy or Liberalised Authoritarianism
10	Week 10: Religious Radicalism and Terrorism
11	Week 11: Digitalisation, Innovation, and the Future of the Middle East
12	Take-Home Examination	Take-Home Examination due 12:00 pm Thursday of Week 12

Tutorial Registration

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.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Learning Outcomes
Podcast (20%)	10 %	1,2,3,4,5
Tutorial Participation (10%)	20 %	1,2,3,4
Research Essay - 2000 words (40%)	40 %	1,2,3,4
Take-Home Examination (30%)	30 %	1,2,3,4

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Guideline and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Attendance at and participation in all online classes is expected. All assessment tasks should be attempted.

Examination(s)

This course has a take-home final examination. Further instructions will be advised by the convener during the course and on Wattle by end of Week 10.

Assessment Task 1

Podcast (20%)

Details of Task

Students will complete an individual podcast worth 20% of their mark on a topic related to the modern Middle East. This assessment will provide an analytical reflection to a question provided on Wattle. The podcast must consult additional scholarly and primary sources. The podcast is to be pre-recorded and submitted by the due date via Wattle along with a bibliography page. The podcast must demonstrate research of relevant literature and be of scholarly quality. More information on the content and structure of this assessment will be shared during Week 2 Seminar. The length of the podcast is expected to be 5 minutes (+/- 1 minute).

Due date:

5:00 pm Wednesday of Week 4

Marking criteria:

Further guidelines, including a marking rubric will be posted on Wattle at the start of semester (Week 2).

Submission instructions:

The link to your podcast should be submitted via Wattle. Wattle will also permit you to upload your podcast in MP4 or MP3 format. You are also required to submit a bibliography through a Turnitin link which will be posted on Wattle. The Harvard referencing style is to be used. Links to documentation on referencing methods are available on the course website or from the ANU Library website. More information on the content and structure of this assignment will be shared during Week 2 Seminar.

Return of assignments:

Assignments with grade and comments will be returned via Turnitin within 10 days of the submission date.

Assessment Task 2

Tutorial Participation (10%)

Details of Task:

It is essential to your learning – and the learning of others in the class – that you are fully involved in the course. This means that you need to:

a) Attend class – though much learning will be done outside the classroom, class time is a valuable, scarce resource. You are expected to arrive ready to begin class on time; to not leave until class is over; and to attend all classes. If for any special reason you are unable to meet these requirements, please talk to the course convener about it.

b) Come prepared – it will be assumed that you have completed any assigned readings and prepared for the discussion questions prior to class.

c) Actively participate in the learning – we owe it to ourselves and our colleagues to participate as fully as possible in the class sessions.

For students studying remotely, participation will be assessed through engagement via Zoom.

Marking Criteria:

This component is intended to evaluate the level and quality of your contribution to tutorial discussions, which should reflect your analytical and problem-solving skills. More specifically, it assesses your ability to understand situations and diagnose problems and to communicate your views effectively. This assessment specifically addresses Learning Outcomes 1 through 8 by evaluating your ability to communicate effectively throughout the semester on the modern Middle East. As the course will be delivered in a hybrid mode (face-to-face and remotely via Zoom), opportunities will be provided for all students to participate in the weekly seminars and tutorials. Your grade will be based on your attendance record and quality and breadth of participation. Your final participation grade will be available in the grade book within one week after Week 12.

Assessment Task 3

Research Essay - 2000 words (40%)

Details of Task

Students are asked to submit a 2000-word Research Essay worth 40% of their mark. This research essay provides students the opportunity to conduct in-depth research of a topic related to the modern Middle East. The essay must address one of the questions provided on Wattle. The research essay must demonstrate strong theoretical and analytical components and consult scholarly and primary sources. The Research Essay must be 2,000 words in length (+/- 10%) and to include professional referencing and a bibliography. Note that the word count excludes references and the bibliography. The Research Essay must consult and cite at least ten scholarly sources.

Due date:

5:00 pm Wednesday of Week 8

Marking criteria:

Further guidelines, including a marking rubric will be posted on Wattle at the start of semester.

Submission instructions:

Assignments are to be word-processed. The use of professional expression and presentation is expected. The Harvard referencing style is to be used. Links to documentation on referencing methods are available on the course website or from the ANU Library website. You are required to submit an electronic copy of your assignment to Turnitin via the Watttle website. Further information about Turnitin is provided below.

Return of assignments:

Assignments with grade and comments will be returned via Turnitin within 14 days of the submission date.

Assessment Task 4

Take-Home Examination (30%)

Details of Task:

The take-home examination will be open-book and released on Wattle at the time and date specified below. Students will write a response to a maximum of 2,000 words to a number of questions provided on Wattle. Students will have one week to write the take-home examination and post their response to Turnitin on Wattle, however the expected time to complete the exam is about 2-3 hours, with the one week time window to allow sufficient opportunity to plan around other commitments students may have. Further details about the final examination will be provided during the course and on Wattle in Week 10.

Due date:

Released on Wattle at 12:00pm (midday) Canberra time on Thursday 18 May (Week 11) and due at 12:00pm (midday) Canberra time on Thursday 25 May (Week 12).

Submission instructions:

Assignments are to be word-processed. The use of professional expression and presentation is expected. You are required to submit an electronic copy of your assignment to Turnitin via the Watttle website. Further information about Turnitin is provided below.

Extension Requests:

No extension requests will be accepted for this assessment

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

Extensions

All requests for extensions to assessments must be submitted to the course convener before the due day and time and must include supporting documentation. Extension to assessment applications submitted after the due date or without supporting documentation will not be accepted. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date. No extension requests will be accepted for the Take-Home Examination assessment.

Late Submission

Late submission of assessment tasks without an approved extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material.

Returning Assignments

Please see relevant assessment task details above.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

Not permitted.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Access and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students