58勛圖

IR3306 International Relations of the Middle East

Academic year

2026 to 2027 Semester 2

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

30

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 9

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

TBC

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr E Sadeghi

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Dr Eskandar Sadeghi

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module examines the international relations of the Middle East since the late Ottoman period, exploring how the region has been constituted through global structures of power, ideology, and political economy, and how its political and intellectual transformations have reshaped world politics. The course situates the Middle East within key theoretical debates in International Relations and political theory. It traces how empire, nationalism, revolution, and religion have interacted with external intervention and global capitalism to produce distinctive regional orders. Students analyse how sovereignty, legitimacy, and self-determination have been contested across time, assessing the interplay between domestic, regional, and global dynamics. By combining historical depth with theoretical reflection, the module encourages students to think critically about how the Middle East both challenges and contributes to broader understandings of power, order, and resistance in global politics.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS IR2006

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 50% Examination = 50%

Re-assessment

100% Examination

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

1 x 90-minute lecture (x10 weeks), 1 x 1-hr tutorial (x10 weeks)

Intended learning outcomes

  • demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the historical evolution and contemporary dynamics of the Middle East within the international system.
  • apply and critically evaluate key theoretical approaches in International Relations and political theory to the analysis of regional developments.
  • analyse the interaction between domestic, regional, and global forces in shaping political order, conflict, and transformation in the Middle East.
  • assess competing interpretations of sovereignty, legitimacy, and power, and articulate how these concepts have been contested across different historical and ideological contexts.
  • conduct independent, research-based inquiry using both primary and secondary sources, demonstrating conceptual rigour and methodological awareness.
  • communicate complex arguments effectively, both orally and in writing, through critical discussion, debate, and analytical essay work.