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Module Title
LI America and the Middle East through Politics and Film.
School
Government
Department
Political Sci & Intern'tl Stud
Module Code
08 30142
Module Lead
Scott Lucas
Level
Intermediate Level
Credits
20
Semester
Semester 1
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions
None
Exclusions
Description
This course is an innovative approach to the construction, presentation, and negotiation of politics and international relations through film. Specifically, it recognises and evaluates the construction of the “Middle East”, and thus US-Middle East relations, through the presentation of the region and its people in American film.
The course links theoretical approaches, such as “Orientalism” and the Other, to the history of US foreign policy in the Middle East and North Africa through film's presentation and negotiation of the regions. With this approach to analysis, it offers a new conception of culture and foreign policy from the 1920s (the Sheik) through the US move from neutrality in World War II (Casablanca) through the issues around Israel, Palestine, and “terrorism” (Exodus, Black Sunday) to post-9/11 US constructions of the region and the “threat” (Team America, The Dark Knight, Syriana).
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
Consider the development of the “Middle East” in American film from 1920 to the present
Use theoretical approaches from Cultural Studies, Film Studies, Politics, and International
Relations to develop a critical approach to America and the Middle East through Politics and film
Link historical cases to contemporary events
Write and edit findings to establish original academic impact
Assessment
30142-01 : 1500 Word Case Study : Coursework (25%)
30142-02 : 3000 Word Essay : Coursework (75%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions
Assessments: 1 x 1,500-word Case Study with document support (25%)
1 x 3,000-word Essay (75%)
Reassessment: 1 x 3,000 word essay