Undergraduate Module Descriptor

POL3156: Central Asian Politics

This module descriptor refers to the 2016/7 academic year.

Module Aims

Central Asia is a region which has received greater international attention since the emergence of the newly independent states after the end of the Soviet Union and the increased interest in the Afghanistan conflict after 2001. It is often misunderstood and is relatively inaccessible to those without a background in the region. This module will introduce you  to Central Asia politics through an inter-disciplinary study of its politics and international relations. It explores the historical emergence of Central Asia and the principal schools of thought with respect to understanding its politics. The second half considers issues of contemporary Central Asian politics through issues, case studies and key events. The module draws on film and non-academic literature as well as introducing you  to the key academic texts in the study of Central Asian politics

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here – you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.
On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills1. critically analyse the modern political history and historiographies of Central Asia.
2. critically analyse and deploy theories and discourses of Central Asian politics.
3. critically analyse and evaluate concepts and contexts of Central Asian politics
4. critically analyse and evaluate themes and cases of Central Asian politics
Discipline-Specific Skills5. critically analyse both empirical and theoretical material.
6. deploy theoretical arguments and apply them to empirical case studies
7. engage in critique.
Personal and Key Skills8. comprehend, analyse and evaluate academic texts.
9. comprehend, analyse and evaluate primary sources, both verbal and visual.
10. construct reasoned argument.
11. communicate effectively through well-structured speech and writing.
12. work independently and with peers to achieve goals.