PO398-15 Politics and Culture in the Middle East
Introductory description
This module explores the relationship between politics and culture in the Middle East with a focus on the role of culture in processes of domination and resistance. It consider the racial-cultural dimensions of imperialism; legacies of colonialism and orientalism in shaping Western representations of the Middle East and, in turn, postcolonial nationalism and its gendered and heteronormative dimensions; and the role of (popular) culture in resisting authoritarianism, patriarchy and heteronormativity. Whilst the module is concerned with the Middle East and North Africa, a large number of readings focus on Egypt, as the most populous and one of the most significant geopolitical actors in the region, which, therefore, has attracted the lion’s share of scholarly attention. You will be introduced to different approaches to understanding the relationship between politics and culture, drawing on postcolonial studies, cultural studies, anthropology, gender studies and queer studies. You are encouraged to consume and engage critically with popular culture that either represents the Middle East or is produced in the Middle East/by people from the Middle East.
Module aims
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To provide a discussion of the different ways in which politics and culture are interrelated in the Middle East, with a focus on the role of culture in domination and resistance.
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To introduce the notion of culture in the study of politics and how it can be conceptualized in non-essentialist ways in the study of the Middle East.
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To demonstrate the importance of coloniality, race, gender and sexuality in understanding the exercise of power in the Middle East and relations between the Middle East and the West.
-To provide an introduction to some scholarly debates in postcolonial studies, feminist studies, queer studies and cultural studies and how they are relevant to the politics of the Middle East.
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
Weekly topics:
- Mapping the relationship between (popular) culture, power and politics
- Imagining the Middle East: Orientalism then and now
- Sexuality, race & (settler) colonialism
- Nationalism and gender
- Heternormativity and the nation
- Reading week
- Popular culture & resistance against authoritarianism
- Feminist and queer resistance
- Alternative masculinities
- Revision and essay writing guidance
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- - Demonstrate significant knowledge of the ways in which politics and culture intersect in the Middle East and North Africa.
- -Use relevant theories from cultural studies, postcolonial studies and anthropology (amongst others) to analyse contemporary political dynamics in the Middle East and North Africa.
- - Demonstrate an understanding of how race, gender, sexuality and class intersect and are constitutive of political processes and dynamics in the politics and International Relations of the Middle East and North Africa.
- -Critically assess the notion of culture as a site of resistance and domination.
Indicative reading list
Reading lists can be found in Talis
Specific reading list for the module
Research element
Independent research for essay writing
Interdisciplinary
Engages with theories from anthropology, cultural studies, postcolonial studies, feminist studies, queer studies
International
Introduces students to the Middle East and North Africa region
Subject specific skills
- knowledge of the ways in which politics and culture intersect in the Middle East.
-knowledge of relevant theories from cultural studies, postcolonial studies, feminist studies, queer studies and anthropology (amongst others)
-application of theories to analyse the relationship between politics and culture - understanding of how race, gender, sexuality and class intersect and are constitutive of political processes and dynamics in the politics and International Relations of the Middle East.
Transferable skills
communication (verbal and written), analytical, time management, critical thinking
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 9 sessions of 1 hour (6%) |
| Seminars | 9 sessions of 1 hour (6%) |
| Private study | 132 hours (88%) |
| Total | 150 hours |
Private study description
Students are expected to spend 10 hours per week reading the core readings and preparing the relevant seminar questions for each week's seminar class. Students are expected to spend around 32 hours researching and writing assessments.
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group A3
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
Assessment component |
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| 3000 word essay | 100% | Yes (extension) | |
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Essay questions to be released in week 5 |
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Reassessment component is the same |
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Feedback on assessment
Written feedback via feedback forms and verbal feedback in person.
Courses
This module is Optional for:
- Year 3 of UPOA-M100 Undergraduate Politics