Participation 10%

Reflective Portfolio 40% (2500 words) Learning Outcomes 1-4

Essay 50% (3500 words) Learning Outcomes 1-4

The portfolio and essay will provide the opportunity to demonstrate all four learning outcomes through focused questions that in each case will require knowledge of the practical implications of the subject matter at hand. The portfolio and essay will require you to demonstrate the reading of relevant texts and the use of other appropriate materials to develop an analysis of the relevant issue.

This module will examine the history and formation of Afghanistan as a modern nation, it will explore it’s tribal and cultural codes (Pakhtunwali, role of women in Afghan society); the role of the Islamic faith in Afghanistan and how all these factors impact on the politics of the country. It will focus on the near continual state of civil war that has prevailed in Afghanistan from 1979 to the present (including examining key actors like the Afghan Mujahidin and the Taliban), and analyse the involvement of great powers USA, USSR/ Russia and China as well as neighbours and others like Pakistan, India, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia and Iran in the civil war and to the present day. It will also analyse Afghanistan’s role in the rise of Al Quaeda and Islamic Extremism more generally and the role of the NATO led UN mission in Afghanistan post 9/11. Finally, the module will critically evaluate the barriers to peace and development in Afghanistan.

The primary learning strategy consists of interactive tasks via Blackboard and tutorial support (36 hours). 264 hours are to be used in self-directed study assisted by a detailed module handbook, Blackboard material, and relevant textbooks. Self-directed study will include preparation for assessment work.

University Library e-brary resources
Blackboard
Internet Access

Barfield, Thomas (2010) Afghanistan: A Political and Cultural History, Princeton University Press.
Ewans, Martin (2002) Afghanistan: A Short History of its People and Politics, Harper Perennial, 2002.(best introductory reading)
Rashid, Ahmed (2010) Taliban: The Power of Militant Islam in Afghanistan and Beyond, I.B. Taurus.

1. CRITICALLY EXPLORE KEY THEMES AND ACTORS THAT HAVE AFFECTED POLITICS AND SECURITY IN AFGHANISTAN SINCE 1979
[Knowledge and Understanding; Enquiry]

2. UNDERSTAND AND CRITICALLY ANALYSE IMPORTANT ISSUES IN AFGHAN HISTORY, POLITICS AND CULTURE
[Analysis; Learning]

3. CRITICALLY ASSESS THE ROLE OF AFGHANISTAN IN THE CONTEMPORARY SOUTH /CENTRAL ASIAN REGION AND IN THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY.
[Application; Analysis]

4. EXPRESS IN WRITING SOPHISTICATED AND COHERENT EXPOSITIONS AND ARGUMENTS.
[Problem Solving; Communication; Reflection]