Participation 10% Learning Outcomes 1-6
Presentation 40% [2500 words] Learning Outcomes 1-6
Essay 50% [3500 words] Learning Outcomes 1-6

The presentation and essay will provide the opportunity to demonstrate all seven learning outcomes through focused questions that in each case will require knowledge of the practical implications of the subject matter at hand. The presentation 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.

The module 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 interests 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 module will mainly focus on the present state of politics, geopolitics, 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.
This analysis will include current issues such as the development of the Eurasian Union, the consequences of the conflict in Ukraine for Central Asia, and British-Kazakh military cooperation Covering topics 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 module will conclude by examining future security and conflict scenarios for Central Asia.

This module will be based on flexible learning materials delivered using the Blackboard virtual learning environment and selected readings provided in (a) a limited number of course texts (b) e-reading packs of selected articles and book chapters or (c) e-books, e-journal articles and online news coverage.

The Blackboard environment will provide a context for:
- Tutors to highlight key issues, problems and debates for discussion.
- Learners to undertake a range of structured activities which will involve, for example, problem-solving, literature search, engagement with group discussions, and scenarios.
- Tutors to provide guidance and advice.
- Learners to access guidance on on-line resources available via the web and the university's
e-resources pages.

The readings will provide:
- An essential knowledge base for the module which will be available to all learners.
- A resource for coursework and all assessed assignments.
- A point of departure for the structured activities set for learners.

Learners will be expected to engage fully and critically with the resources and activities that are
provided and to engage in detailed discussion with tutors and other learners. Tutors will give online academic support and guidance to learners throughout the lifetime of the module and will respond on a timely basis.

The module will run over 16 weeks; the latter will include 4 weeks set aside for learners to complete the assessed work.

University Library e-brary resources
Blackboard
Internet Access

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.
Laruelle, M. and Perouse, S. [2012] Globalizing Central Asia: Geopolitics and the Challenges of Economic Development, London: M.E. Sharpe.
Malashenko, A. [2013] The Fight for Influence: Russia in Central Asia, Washington D.C.: Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
Shishkin, P. [2013] Restless Valley: Revolution, Murder and Intrigue in the Heart of Central Asia, Yale: Yale University Press.

1. CRITICALLY UNDERSTAND THE HISTORY AND CULTURE OF CENTRAL ASIA.
[Knowledge and Understanding; Enquiry]

2. CRITICALLY UNDERSTAND CONTEMPORARY CENTRAL ASIAN POLITICS.
[Knowledge and Understanding; Enquiry]

3. CRITICALLY UNDERSTAND CURRENT TRENDS IN CENTRAL ASIAN FOREIGN POLICY AND SECURITY.
[Knowledge and Understanding; Enquiry]

4. CRITICALLY UNDERSTAND POLITICAL, ECONOMIC AND SOCIO-CULTURAL SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES BETWEEN KAZAKHSTAN, UZBEKISTAN, KYRGYZSTAN, TAJIKISTAN AND TURKMENISTAN.
[Analysis; Learning]

5. CRITICALLY ASSESS CENTRAL ASIA’S ROLE IN THE WIDER REGIONAL AND GLOBAL SECURITY ORDER.
[Knowledge and Understanding; Analysis]

6. SYSTEMATICALLY UNDERSTAND THE ABOVE [1-5] ACQUIRED THROUGH ONLINE DISCUSSION, DEBATE, TEXTUAL AND DATA ANALYSIS.
[Communication; Reflection; Problem Solving]