This interdisciplinary course is for students who wish to pursue an in depth interest in Iraq or Iraq-related geopolitics in the Middle East. It will examine and introduce students to national politics and recent history of modern Iraq and their intertwinement with regional and global politics. The course explores the formation of the Iraqi Sate and how it was shaped by Ottoman and British colonial legacies. It examines the intellectual and ideological currents shaping Iraqi society, politics, and foreign relations regionally and globally. The course explores how the regional Iraq/Iran war, the first and second invasion of Iraq (1991, 2003) and the economic and political sanctions on Iraq (1990-2003) have had deep consequences on the country’s social, political and economic stability and caused major upheavals in the region. Iraq’s difficult and fascinating contemporary history shows some of the most enduring problems of the modern Middle East and provides ample room for their study, including contemporary challenges of sectarianism, foreign intervention and proxy wars, social inequality, neo-patriarchy and gender representation in policy making, national fragmentation in a multi-religious and multi-ethnic societies and the repercussions for national, regional and global security. 

Learning Outcomes

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

1. identify key issues in Iraqi politics and understand their historical contexts;
2. develop an advanced capacity to research key issues in ways that enable students to analyse different approaches to understand and address these issues;
3. debate and evaluate different approaches to major issues;
4. write and present an advanced historical/political argument in a clear, coherent, and engaging manner; and
5. demonstrate an advanced reading comprehension of relevant literature.

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 Iraq and the wider 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.

Required Resources

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

Recommended Resources

Selected Readings

Charles Tripp, A History of Iraq, 3rd Ed. (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2007).

Adeed Dawisha, Iraq: A Political History (Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2013); previously published as Adeed Dawisha, Iraq: A Political History from Independence to Occupation (Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 2009).

Phebe Marr, The Modern History of Iraq, 3rd Ed. (Boulder, CO: Westview Press, 2011).

Marion-Farouk-Sluglett and Peter Sluglett, Iraq Since 1958: From Revolution to Dictatorship, Rev. Ed. (London: I. B. Taurus, 2001).

Other Resources

Additional readings related to the weekly topics will also be provided via the links on Wattle.

The ANU Library subscribes (electronically) to a wide range of academic journals. Journals that may be helpful for your research include:

The Middle East Journal

Middle East Quarterly

Middle East Policy

International Journal of Middle East Studies

Middle Eastern Studies

Arab Studies Quarerly

Middle East Critique

Journal of Middle East women's studies 

Journal of the Middle East and Africa  

Journal of Islamic Studies

Mediterranean Politics

Middle East Report

British Journal of Middle Eastern Studies

Middle East Law and Governance

Middle East Journal of Culture and Communication

Middle East Development Journal

Review of Middle East Studies

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	Introduction to the course: mapping modern Iraq: issues and questions
2	The formation of the Iraqi Sate from the 1958 Revolution
3	Saddam Hussain: From revolutionary spirit to tyranny and oppression
4	Iran/Iraq war: regional security and foreign influence	5:00PM Thursday of Week 4 - Reflection paper(1500 words 20%)
5	Sanctions on Iraq and their repercussions on Iraqi society
6	First and Second invasions of Iraq 1992/2003: the collapse of the state and society
7	Democracy in Iraq post 2003: identity, religion, and sectarianism
8	Democracy in Iraq post 2003: Women’s political participation: tokenism or integration?	5:00PM Thursday of Week 8- Podcast (20%)
9	Iraq and the rise of ISIS
10	Iraq and the Kurds: identity, autonomy, and independence
11	Iraq and Iran: sectarianism, influence, and regional and global security
12	Iraq today: contemporary governance and economy	5:00PM Thursday of Week 12 - Research Essay - 4000 words (50%)

Tutorial Registration

This course will have tutorials or tutorial-like teaching activities. Further details about the structure and teaching activities for this course will be available on the course Wattle site by the start of Orientation Week.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Learning Outcomes
Tutorial Participation (10%)	10 %	1,3,4,5
Reflection paper (1500 words 20%)	20 %	2,3,4,5
Podcast (20%)	20 %	2,3,4,5
Research Essay - 4000 words (50%)	50 %	2,3,4,5

* 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 classes is expected. All assessment tasks should be attempted to pass this course. Seminars will be delivered on campus and made available on Echo360. Tutorials will be conducted on campus and in-person.

Examination(s)

This course does not have a final examination.

Assessment Task 1

Tutorial Participation (10%)

Details of Task:

Tutorials will be help on campus and in-person.

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 convenor 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.

Purpose:

To evaluate the issues and challenges related to the politics and society of Iraq in the modern and contemporary eras. Develop analytical skills and reasoned arguments and communicate ideas cogently both orally and in writing.

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, 3,4, & 5 by evaluating your ability to communicate effectively throughout the semester on modern and contemporary Iraq. Your grade will be based on your attendance record and quality and breadth of participation.

Assessment Task 2

Reflection paper (1500 words 20%)

Due date:

5:00pm Thursday of Week 4

Instructions:

Students are asked to submit a 1500 - word Reflection Paper worth 20% of their mark. This assessment will provide a reflection on a topic covered in the course. The Reflection Paper must provide an analytical reflection on a specific topic and consult additional scholarly and primary sources. The Reflection Paper must be 1,500 words in length (+/- 10%) and to include professional referencing and a bibliography. Note that the word count excludes references and the bibliography. The Reflection Paper must consult and cite at least seven scholarly sources.

Purpose:

To evaluate the issues and challenges related to the politics and society of Iraq in the modern and contemporary eras and enhance student's writing and engage them with courses' topics.

Marking criteria:

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

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.

Extensions and Late Submission:

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.

Late Submission

Late submission of this assessment task 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.

Assessment Task 3

Podcast (20%)

Due dates:

5:00pm Thursday of Week 8

Instructions:

Students will complete an individual podcast worth 20% of their mark on a topic of their choosing covering Iraqi society, economy, or politics. A list of optional topics will be uploaded on Wattle during Week 2, or an alternative topic can be determined in consultation with the course convenor during Office hours or Tutorials. 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 assignment will be shared during Week 6 Seminar. The length of the podcast is expected to be 10 minutes (+/- 1 minute).

Purpose:

The purpose of the podcast is to sharpen your ability to present on a matter related to Iraqi society, economy, or politics; develop your critical thinking skills; and to practice your oral communication skills.

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 6 Seminar.

Return of assignments:

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

Extensions and Late Submission:

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.

Late Submission

Late submission of this assessment task 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.

Assessment Task 4

Research Essay - 4000 words (50%)

Due date:

5:00pm Thursday of Week 12

Instructions:

Students are asked to submit a 4000-word Research Essay worth 50% of their mark. This research essay provides students the opportunity to conduct in-depth research of a topic of their choosing about Iraq. The research essay must demonstrate strong theoretical and analytical components and consult scholarly and primary sources on Iraq. A list of optional topics will be uploaded on Wattle during Week 2, or an alternative topic can be determined in consultation with the course convenor during Office hours or Tutorials. The Research Essay must be 4,000 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.

Purpose:

To evaluate the issues and challenges related to the politics and society of Iraq in the modern and contemporary eras and enhance student's writing and engage them with topics taught throughout this course.

Marking criteria:

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

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 and made available within 14 days of the submission date.

Extensions and Late Submission:

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.

Late Submission

Late submission of this assessment task 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.

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

The ANU uses 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. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.

Hardcopy Submission

Not applicable

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.

Late Submission

Late submission of this assessment task 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