• Class Number 4302
  • Term Code 3430
  • Class Info
  • Unit Value 6 units
  • Mode of Delivery In Person
  • COURSE CONVENER
    • Dr Mohammed Alsudairi
  • Class Dates
  • Class Start Date 19/02/2024
  • Class End Date 24/05/2024
  • Census Date 05/04/2024
  • Last Date to Enrol 26/02/2024
SELT Survey Results

The Gulf is contested political terrain. Even its very nomenclature – ‘Persian’ or ‘Arab’/’Arabian’ – is subject to controversy. The security of regional countries is influenced by a

complicated web of strategic, political and cultural variables. It is also a key focus for the national security strategy of the United States, EU, China, and other actors. Notwithstanding the diversity of the region, the countries within it face a unique set of social, political, and economic challenges, particularly in comparison to other developing regions. In this course we build in-depth contextual knowledge of the states in the region and examine interacting internal political and economic trends, the dealings of Gulf states with each other, and their relations with other regional and extra-regional powers. It will, finally, consider broader concerns such as over food security, water scarcity, energy politics, environmental change, and dependence on migrant workers.

Learning Outcomes

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

  1. identify domestic and external actors and factors shaping the security environment of the Gulf;
  2. demonstrate an understanding of the global strategic importance of Gulf energy reserves;
  3. demonstrate an understanding of the security perceptions of the United States, other international actors, regional countries, and the challenges they face;
  4. debate critically the ideas and theories that have been advanced to understand Gulf politics, political economy and international relations, and to deal with coreunresolved regional issues; and
  5. analyse alternative futures for the region, their strategic implications and prospects for developing regional security architecture.

Research-Led Teaching

The lecture content will include scholarly research on politics and security in the Persian Gulf 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 analyze, apply, and present on contemporary and historical developments, relevant theoretical concepts, and issues related to the Persian Gulf and the wider Middle East.

Field Trips

Not relevant

Additional Course Costs

No additional costs

Examination Material or equipment

N/A

Required Resources

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

The course will have a preliminary reading list to help students gain an understanding of the Persian Gulf, its history, contexts, societies and politics. This will be provided on the Course wattle site.

Whether you are on campus or studying online, 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.

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.

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 and oral presentation 10 % 1,3,4,5
Reflection Paper 40 % 1,2,3,4,5
Research Essay 50 % 1,2,3,4,5

* 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:

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

Value: 10 %
Learning Outcomes: 1,3,4,5

Tutorial participation and oral presentation

Tutorial Participation and Oral Presentation (10%)

Details of Task:

Details of Task:


Tutorials will be help on campus and in-person with an option to join online for those who can't attend in person. Building on your tutorial participation, you will be asked to present on a topic of your choice for 15 minutes on any theme related to the weekly lectures. You can seek the help of the convenor on the choice of the topic. The timeline of the presentation will be confirmed with the convenor. More detailed explanations of the task will be offered in week 1 and week 2 of the term.


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 security of the Persian Gulf 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 politics and security in the Persian Gulf. Your grade will be based on your attendance record and quality and breadth of your presentation and participation.

Assessment Task 2

Value: 40 %
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4,5

Reflection Paper

Reflection paper (1000 words 40%)

Details of Task:

Due date:

5:00pm Thursday of Week 6


Instructions:

Students are asked to submit a 1000 - word Reflection Paper worth 40% 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 1000 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.


Assessment Task 3

Value: 50 %
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4,5

Research Essay

esearch Essay - 3000 words (50%)

Details of Task:

Due date:

5:00pm Thursday of Week 12


Instructions:

Students are asked to submit a 3000-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 3000 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

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:

  • Late submission not permitted. If submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date is not permitted, a mark of 0 will be awarded.
  • Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an 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, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

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).

Dr Mohammed Alsudairi
U1142761@anu.edu.au

Research Interests


International relations, geopolitics, security, China and the Middle East

Dr Mohammed Alsudairi

Responsible Officer: Registrar, Student Administration / Page Contact: Website Administrator / Frequently Asked Questions