Politics of resistance in the Middle East

Key information

Start date
End date
Duration
Term 1
Module code
15PPOH010
FHEQ Level
7
Credits
15
Department
Department of Politics and International Studies

Module overview

This module offers Masters students focusing on Middle East politics an opportunity to reflect critically upon ideas of counterhegemony and resistance as ways of understanding politics and political struggle in the Middle East. Much of the literature on politics in the Middle East foregrounds the dominant structures of power, dominant ideologies and the varied forms of hegemony. Less studied are the ways in which variously situated groups and individuals throughout the region have tried to negotiate with, subvert and resist these forms of hegemony and the mixed outcomes of many of these struggles. The module will take certain general themes and illustrate them through specific case studies from different countries in the Middle East.

Objectives and learning outcomes of the module

At the end of the module, students should be able to demonstrate:

  • Familiarity with critical debates surrounding ideas of political hegemony, counter-hegemony and resistance
  • Knowledge of specific aspects of politics and political struggle in the Middle East which will test some of the theoretical assumptions behind these debates, as well as an understanding of particular political movements, countries and developments in the region
  • A critical understanding of a range of theoretical positions in political science, to formulate hypotheses based upon these understandings and to carry out empirical research to support or qualify their arguments
  • Skills necessary for the oral and written communication of their ideas

Workload

  • Two hour seminar per week.

Method of assessment

  • Assignment 1: 40%
  • Assignment 2: 60%

Disclaimer

Important notice regarding changes to programmes and modules