AIE157 - Introduction to Politics in the Middle East
Unit details
| Year | 2026 unit information |
|---|---|
| Enrolment modes: | Trimester 2: Burwood (Melbourne), Online |
| Credit point(s): | 1 |
| EFTSL value: | 0.125 |
| Unit Chair: | Trimester 2: Shahram Akbarzadeh |
| Prerequisite: | Nil |
| Corequisite: | Nil |
| Incompatible with: | Nil |
| 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 lecture per week, 1 x 1-hour 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 introduces the Middle East and North Africa region to students by exploring its modern history and place in the world. It covers the birth of new states in the wake of the Ottoman collapse and the role of Islam and religious/ethnic identities. This unit offers a survey of political systems and governance structures in the context of the Cold War and following the collapse of the Soviet Union. This will offer a foundation for students to better understand how the region functions today and an entry point into Middle East 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 | Critically examine cultural assumptions that are implicit in discussions of the Middle Eastern history and region | GLO4: Critical thinking GLO8: Global citizenship |
| ULO2 | Analyse Middle Eastern history using a diverse range of resources and explain its relationship to modern dilemmas in the Middle Eastern region | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities GLO4: Critical thinking GLO5: Problem solving |
| ULO3 | Analyse and interpret popular media stories on the Middle East and the way these portray the Middle Eastern region and history | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities GLO4: Critical thinking |
| ULO4 | Work independently to communicate and convey a diverse range of perspectives related to how historical forces have shaped the modern Middle East | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities GLO2: Communication GLO6: Self-management |
Assessment
| Assessment Description | Student output | Grading and weighting (% total mark for unit) | Indicative due week |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1: Reflective Historical Analysis | 800 words or equivalent | 20% | Week 5 |
| Assessment 2: Major Essay | 2000 words or equivalent | 50% | Week 10 |
| Assessment 3: Test | 1200 words or equivalent | 30% | End-of-Unit Assessment Period |
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
The texts and reading list for AIE157 can be found via the University Library.
Note: Select the relevant trimester reading list. Please note that a future teaching period's reading list may not be available until a month prior to the start of that teaching period so you may wish to use the relevant trimester's prior year reading list as a guide only.
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
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Unit Fee Information
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Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.
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