58勛圖

IR5510 Central Asia in World Order

Academic year

2026 to 2027 Semester 1

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 11

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

Friday 12noon-2pm

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

Module coordinator

Dr M Fumagalli

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

Module description

Dramatically and unexpectedly, Central Asia was thrust to independence in 1991. Of all the Soviet republics, the five of Central Asia - Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan - had been the largest net recipients of Soviet aid, had benefited most economically from the Soviet Union and had thus been the most reluctant to break from the Soviet empire. Once the path of independence was followed, each of these five states faced considerable ethnic, state, economic, social and foreign policy challenges. This course aims to analyse these nation- and state-building agendas, seeking to address critically some of the now widely held assumptions about this post-Soviet area. Moreover, located in one of the world's most strategic zones, between Russia, China and a troubled Middle East, Central Asia relies on its substantial human and natural resources in the renegotiation of its geopolitical status.

Assessment pattern

2,000 word Reflective Journal = 20%, 4,000 word Essay = 40%, Final Exam = 40%

Re-assessment

3-hour Written Examination =100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

1 lecture and 1 tutorial.

Intended learning outcomes

  • Acquire a firm understanding of the key developments in the domestic and international politics of the region since 1991
  • Critically engage with current scholarship on Central Asia and relate it to broader trends in IR
  • Be able to apply theoretical concepts and tools to empirical cases