ObjectivesThe Middle East is a region of the world whose importance, politically, historically and religiously, as well as in other areas such as economically, is growing rapidly, as a result of its vital significance both with respect to the relationship between the world of Islam and the West and with respect to the worldwide ramifications of the Arab-Israeli dispute. This course focuses particularly on the history, religious life, and significance for contemporary international relations of the Middle East, by combining the expertise which is available in Nottingham in the School of History, Politics and International Relations, and Humanities (especially Theology and Religious Studies). The study of the Arabic language, crucial to the study of religious texts as well as the contemporary Middle East, is also available as an option.
Academic titleMA Middle Eastern Studies
Course descriptionKey facts
-The Department of Theology and Religious Studies has a long and distinguished history
-It was awarded the highest national research rating of 5*A in the latest Reseach Assessment Exercise - this grade reflecs the high quality of publications which the staff have produced
-You will be part of a thriving postgraduate community that welcomes students from all over the world
Middle Eastern Studies (MA)
Duration: One year full-time or two to four years part-time
Course Content
In addition to a compulsory module specific to this course - Edward Said and Orientalism, you will be required to take a further research training module - either Theory and Evidence (in History) or Theories and Concepts in International Relations (in Politics and International Relations).
The remaining modules will be selected from options such as:
-Islamic Thought
-The World of Islam and the West
-Religion, Identity and Conflict in the Middle East
-Christians and Muslims in the Medieval Mediterranean
-Crisis Diplomacy in the Middle East
-Empire and Power: France in the Middle East
-Reporting in the Middle East
-Understanding the Middle East: Contemporary Challenges and Historical Background
-It is also possible to undertake study of the Arabic language.
Course Structure
This course can be taken on a full-time basis over one year (September to September) or two to four years part-time.
You will be required to take 120 credits' worth of taught modules (including one compulsory module), as well as undertaking a 60-credit Dissertation on the subject of your choice.
Modules are typically assessed through a written piece of coursework.