COURSE UNIT TITLE

Offered By

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS (UOLP-SUNY ALBANY)

Level of Course Unit

First Cycle Programmes (Bachelor's Degree)

Course Coordinator

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR SEVILAY ZEHRA AKSOY

Offered to

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS (UOLP-SUNY ALBANY)
Political Science and International Relations (UOLP-SUNY ALBANY)

Course Objective

This course aims to introduce learners to the international relations of the Middle East. In this context, the post-Ottoman period will be analyzed with particular respect to the Western colonialism, the processes of decolonization and state formation, the Arab-Israeli and Palestinian-Israeli conflicts, the peace process, the international politics of the Gulf, and oil politics.

Learning Outcomes of the Course Unit

Mode of Delivery

Face -to- Face

Prerequisites and Co-requisites

None

Recomended Optional Programme Components

None

Course Contents

Recomended or Required Reading

Various book chapters, articles and media material. TBA

Planned Learning Activities and Teaching Methods

Lecture
Presentation
Participation

Assessment Methods

Further Notes About Assessment Methods

None

Assessment Criteria

I. In the exam:

1. To describe and explain the impact of Western colonial rule on the state- and
nation-building processes and regional politics of the Middle East.
2. To describe and explain the Arab-Israeli and Palestinian-Israeli conflicts, and the
peace process.
3. To describe and explain some of the major post-WWII developments in the Persian Gulf
region involving external actors.
4. To describe and explain the domestic, regional and international dimensions of oil
politics.

II. Assessment Criteria for Presentation

Evidence of preparation for the presentation (power-point slides, notes, etc.) (25
points)
The work appeared to be done at the last minute; visual aids were either very
insufficient or not used at all - Poor (%5)
The work showed some evidence of preparation, but slides include very long paragraphs
that distract attention - Fair (%50)
The work was well-prepared and designed; visual aids were clear, to the point and
helpful for the comprehension of the subject - Good (%75)
Exceptional effort was put into preparation and design; the additional visual aids
(such as tables, graphs, maps and short videos) significantly enriched the presentation
- Excellent (%100)

Organization of the presentation (Introduction, content and conclusion) (15 points)
The work was poorly organized, ideas were presented randomly - Poor (%5)
The presentation was generally organized but lacked logical clarity - Fair (%40)
The presentation had a clear introduction, body and conclusion - Good (%70)
The presentation, involving a unique blend of ideas in the sources, was exceptionally
logical and well-organized - Excellent (%100)

Understanding of the assigned material (40 points)
Serious lacking or mistakes in the presentation of ideas/information in the material - Poor (%5)
At least half of the most important points in the material were presented - Fair (%60)
Most of the important points in the material were presented - Very good (%80)
The presentation reflects the breadth and depth of the presenter's review of the
material - Excellent (%100)

Verbal articulation (10 points)
The audience had difficulty in understanding the presenter - Poor (%5)
Ideas were stated but lacked clarity - Fair (%50)
Ideas were explained well - Very good (%75)
Excellent and clear articulation of major and minor points - Excellent (%100)

Keeping the audience engaged (10 points)
The presenting style was dull and monotonous; the presenter generally read the slides
in an often hurried manner - Poor (%10)
The presenter, while focusing on the slides, tried to make an occasional eye contact
with the audience and asked them at least one question - Fair (%50)
The presenter generally used the slides and notes as a reference and mostly focused on
sharing his/her knowledge by means of active communication with the audience - Very
good (%80)
The presenter used his/her voice, body, selection of words, and pauses effectively to
engage each individual in the audience and to ensure that ideas were understood well -
Excellent (%100)

Language of Instruction

English

Course Policies and Rules

1. Expected to attend at least 70% of the classes.
2. Plagiarism of any type will result in disciplinary action.
3. Participation in class discussions is required.

Contact Details for the Lecturer(s)

sevilayz.aksoy@deu.edu.tr
0232-3018205

Office Hours

to be announced later.

Work Placement(s)

None

Workload Calculation

Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes