1. DEMONSTRATE IN-DEPTH KNOWLEDGE AND A CRITICAL UNDERSTANDING OF THE HISTORY AND CULTURE OF CENTRAL ASIA.
Analysis, Enquiry, Knowledge & Understanding Learning

2. DEMONSTRATE A CRITICAL UNDERSTANDING OF CURRENT TRENDS IN CENTRAL ASIAN POLITICS AND SECURITY AND OF THE POLITICAL, ECONOMIC AND SOCIO-CULTURAL SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES BETWEEN KAZAKHSTAN, TURKMENISTAN, UZBEKISTAN, KYRGYZSTAN AND TAJIKISTAN.
Analysis, Enquiry, Knowledge & Understanding, Learning

3. DEMONSTRATE IN-DEPTH KNOWLEDGE AND A CRITICAL UNDERSTANDING OF THE SOURCES OF CONFLICT IN CENTRAL ASIA AND THE COMPLEXITY OF THE SECURITY SYSTEM IN THE WIDER CENTRAL ASIAN REGION.
Analysis, Enquiry, Knowledge & Understanding, Problem Solving

4. PROVIDE AN EVALUATION AND REFLECT UPON FUTURE TRENDS IN CENTRAL ASIA.
Analysis, Enquiry, Problem Solving

5. EXPRESS IN WRITING SOPHISTICATED AND COHERENT EXPOSITIONS AND ARGUMENTS BASED ON TEXTUAL AND DATA ANALYSIS.
Communication, Enquiry

The course starts with an introduction to the history of Central Asia during pre-Islamic and early Islamic times, before focusing on the 19th and 20th century when the region became the subject of continued geostrategic interest by Britain, the US, the Soviet Union and Russia, as well as by neighbouring countries such as China, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan. The topics covered include the role of Islam; the rivalry between the British and Russian Empires (the Great Game); Soviet rule; and post-1991 independence of the Central Asian republics.

Based on the historical and cultural understanding gained, the course will mainly focus on the present state of politics, security and conflict in Central Asia. Highlighting the importance of Central Asia as a world region, the countries examined are Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Discussions around state relations in Central Asia, as well as the conflicting strategic interests of Britain, the US, Russia, China and Turkey, will form the backbone of a deeper analysis of the emerging regional security architecture in Central Asia. By covering issues such as ethnic conflict; increasing social polarization; the conflict spill-over from neighbouring Afghanistan; rise of Islamic fundamentalism and terrorism; the difficulties of border management and border security on the borders to Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan; and the increased military presence of foreign powers in the region, the course will conclude by examining future security and conflict scenarios for Central Asia.

A RESEARCH PRP length 1,500 words weighted at 25%. An ESSAY length 2,000 WORDS weighted at 75%.

A RESEARCH PROPOSAL of 1,500 WORDS weighted at 25%. (Learning Outcome 2, 3) AN ESSAY of 2,000 WORDS weighted at 75% (Learning Outcome 1-5)

The essay will provide the opportunity to demonstrate all five learning outcomes through a focused question that in each case will require knowledge of the practical implications of the subject matter at hand. The 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. The essay will also require you to write clearly and analytically about the issues raised in the essay question relevant to your working practice.

A pass is awarded only when all of the assessment is complete and the work meets the learning objectives of the module.

A merit performance in the module will be indicated by an exemplary performance in meeting the learning objectives of the module.

A distinction performance in the module will be indicated by excellence in meeting the learning objectives of the module.

The module will be delivered by a series of workshops spread over an intensive 3 day programme (this will contribute to 21 hours of contact time). The intention is to deliver information and explain the context of the material under examination in lecture format with discussion points built in to the lecture material. Following the face-to-face workshops, learners will undertake additional work, via e-learning, over a 6 week period. This will contribute to a further 50 hours of study. This will consist of interactive tasks via Blackboard and tutorial support. 229 hours are to be used in self-directed study assisted by a detailed module handbook and Blackboard material. Self-directed study will include preparation for assessment work.

Colley, A. (2012) Great Games, Local Rules: The New Great Power Contest in Central Asia, New York: Oxford University Press.

Cummings, S. (2012) Understanding Central Asia: Politics and Contested Transformations, Abingdon: Routledge.

Gleason, G. (1997) Central Asian States: Discovering Independence, London: Westview.

Khalid, A. (2007) Islam after Communism: Religion and Politics in Central Asia, Berkeley: University of California Press.

Laruelle, M. and Perouse, S. (2012) Globalizing Central Asia: Geopolitics and the Challenges of Economic Development, London: M.E. Sharpe.

Mahapatra, D. ed (2012) Conflict and Peace in Eurasia, Abingdon: Routledge.

Megoran, N. and Sharapova, S. (2013) Central Asia in International Relations: The Legacies of Halford Mackinder, London: Hurst.

Olcott, M. (2005) Central Asia's Second Chance, Washington, D.C. : Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

Sergeev, E. (2013) Russo-British Relations in Central and East Asia. The Great Game 1856-1907, Washington, D.C. : Woodrow Wilson Center Press.

Shishkin, P. (2013) Restless Valley: Revolution, Murder and Intrigue in the Heart of Central Asia, Yale: Yale University Press.

Trenin, D. (2011) Post-Imperium: A Eurasian Story, Washington, D.C. : Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

University Library e-brary resources
Blackboard
Internet Access

To undertake this module, learners must be employed within the British Armed Forces and would normally hold an undergraduate award or equivalent. Learners should also have attended the relevant 3 day attendance training event as part of the University's Tri-Services Short Course Programme.