AMST40570 The U.S. and the Middle East

Academic Year 2021/2022

The United States has long been a key player in Middle Eastern politics while the Middle East remains a critical region for the protection and promotion of the US national interest. This module will thoroughly explore the relationship of the United States with the region of the Middle East. Although it will regularly look back at the history of US foreign policy toward the region, the module will especially focus on 21st century issues. You will study topics including democracy promotion, nuclear proliferation, humanitarian intervention, and counterterrorism. You will analyze specific case studies such as the military intervention in Libya, US drone policy, and the special relationship with Israel to name a few. This module requires active participation in class through discussions and small group exercises.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the module you will gain a sophisticated understanding of the key foreign policy issues concerning the United States in the strategically important region of the Middle East.

Indicative Module Content:

- democracy promotion
- nuclear proliferation
- humanitarian intervention
- counterterrorism
- military intervention in Libya
- US drone policy
- the special relationship with Israel
- others


Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Seminar (or Webinar)

200

Total

200

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Key teaching and learning approaches used in the module include:
active/task-based learning;
peer and group work;
debates;
student presentations.
 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

Cleveland and Bunton (5th edition or newer), 'A History of the Modern Middle East', Westview Press. Or any similar manual on the history of the Middle East.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Essay: 3000 word essay. The essay will be an analysis of one or more significant issues concerning US foreign Policy toward the Middle East.

Coursework (End of Trimester) n/a Graded No

70

Continuous Assessment: Participation in in-class activities including individual and group presentations; debates; and other activities. The total number of unexcused absences will also affect this grade component. Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

30


Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Remediation Type Remediation Timing
In-Module Resit Prior to relevant Programme Exam Board
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Peer review activities
• Self-assessment activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Students will receive individual and group feedback on their in-class activities throughout the duration of the module. Feedback on end-of-term coursework will instead be provided individually if requested.

The complete reading list will be presented at the beginning of the module. The vast majority of the readings will be made available through Brightspace.