AIE258 - Critical Issues in Middle East Politics
Unit details
| Year | 2026 unit information |
|---|---|
| Enrolment modes: | Trimester 1: Burwood (Melbourne), Online |
| Credit point(s): | 1 |
| EFTSL value: | 0.125 |
| Previously coded as: | AIE255, AIR255 |
| Unit Chair: | Trimester 1: Shahram Akbarzadeh |
| Prerequisite: | Nil |
| Corequisite: | Nil |
| Incompatible with: | AIR255 |
| Educator-facilitated (scheduled) learning activities - on-campus unit enrolment: | 1 x 1-hour lecture per week 1 x 1-hour seminar per week |
| Educator-facilitated (scheduled) learning activities - online unit enrolment: | 1 x 1-hour online lecture per week (recordings provided) 1 x 1-hour online seminar per week |
| Typical study commitment: | Students will on average spend 150-hours over the teaching period undertaking the teaching, learning and assessment activities for this unit. |
Content
This unit examines some of the most controversial issues in Middle East politics. Each week we examine a different issue of importance to the Middle East, such as human rights, refugees, women’s rights, democracy, the media, terrorism and resource politics. No prior study of the Middle East is required.
Learning outcomes
| ULO | These are the Unit Learning Outcomes (ULOs) for this unit. At the completion of this unit, successful students can: | Alignment to Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) |
|---|---|---|
| ULO1 | Recognise the cultural assumptions they bring to discussion of the Middle East | GLO4: Critical thinking |
| ULO2 | Analyse a diverse range of sources pertaining to the Middle East | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities GLO4: Critical thinking |
| ULO3 | Develop their understanding of Middle Eastern history and political issues and apply this to analysing modern dilemmas | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities GLO4: Critical thinking GLO5: Problem solving |
| ULO4 | Analyse and interpret popular media and the way it portrays the Middle East | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities GLO4: Critical thinking |
| ULO5 | Articulate their opinion through authentic written communication | GLO2: Communication |
Assessment
| Assessment Description | Student output | Grading and weighting (% total mark for unit) | Indicative due week |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1: Research Paper | 2400 words | 60% | Week 9 |
| Assessment 2: (Group) Class Presentation | 1600 words | 40% | Ongoing |
The assessment due weeks provided may change. The Unit Chair will clarify the exact assessment requirements, including the due date, at the start of the teaching period.
Learning resource
There is no prescribed text. Unit materials are provided via the unit site. This includes unit topic readings and references to further information.
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Unit Fee Information
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