Research seminar "Actual issues of Asian and African studies"

Master 2024/2025

Type: Compulsory course (Socioeconomic and Political Development of Modern Asia)

Area of studies: Asian and African Studies

Delivered by: Joint Department with RAS Institute of Oriental Studies

Where: Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs

When: 1 year, 1-4 module

Mode of studies: offline

Open to: students of one campus

Master’s programme: Socioeconomic and Political Development of Modern Asia

Language: English

ECTS credits: 12

Contact hours: 144

Full Syllabus

Abstract

The mission of the discipline is to assist students in choosing a research direction within the chosen regional specialization, as well as in the methodological support of the process of preparation and writing an independent research work (term paper, article and master's thesis). The research seminar is designed to fulfill the following tasks: - to give an idea about actual and prospective directions of scientific research; to introduce the experience of leading Russian and foreign research and information-analytical organizations and specific researchers working in the field; - to introduce the algorithms of planning and implementation of research, as well as the design and presentation of its results in the form of a written text (analytical note, article, project, term paper, master's thesis); - to teach the choice and application of specific methodology and research methods, taking into account its peculiarities and regional specifics; - to form basic practical skills: to develop a research program, work with scientific literature and bibliography, reference books, databases, special sources of information, design the results of the research, writing a scientific text, preparing an oral presentation.

Learning Objectives

The discipline is designed to develop students' universal and professional competencies necessary for self-realization in professional activities (research, project, information and analytical) in the region of specialization, including the Middle East and North Africa.
to form an idea of the main areas of "Middle Eastern studies", current and promising areas of scientific research
to introduce the experience of leading Russian and foreign research and information-analytical organizations and specific researchers working in this field
to introduce algorithms for planning and implementing research, as well as the design and presentation of its results in the form of a written text (using a term paper as an example)
to develop basic practical skills: problem statement, development of a research program, work with scientific literature and bibliography, reference books, databases, presentation of research results, writing a scientific text, preparation of an oral presentation and presentation of research results

Expected Learning Outcomes

To identify the main directions and content of research activities within the framework of modern studies of the Middle East and North Africa in Russia and abroad
To master the features of the algorithm for planning, organizing and implementing a study, the design and presentation of its results in the form of a written independent (coursework), as well as the principles of preparing and presenting oral presentations (defense)
To be able to formulate a research problem as well as the goal and objectives of the research; select, define and use concepts and categories to describe and solve a research problem
To be able to find, verify and use empirical data and methods from leading research centers specializing in the study of the Middle East and North Africa, in order to prepare and write independent research papers and projects.
Gain experience in preparing a research paper (using a term paper as an example) on current issues in research into the modern Middle East and North Africa, designing reference and bibliographic apparatus, and skills in writing and editing scientific texts
To be familiar with the principles of academic ethics, the specifics of interaction within the university; gain practical experience in participating in scientific events outside the university within the framework of the chosen area of scientific research.

Course Contents

Specific Features of Middle East and North Africa Studies.
Key Russian and foreign academic and scientific educational centers for the study of the Middle East and North Africa
Key Russian and Foreign Think Tanks Engaged in the Study of the Contemporary Middle East and North Africa
Relevant Middle East and North Africa Studies: How to Find and Distinguish Them?
Main directions and current issues in the research of the contemporary Middle East and North Africa: statement of the problem and construction of the research design
Presentation of research results: how to prepare and conduct it?
Presentation and discussion of plans-projects of independent research works of students
Artificial Intelligence Technologies. History, Definition, and Basic Operating Principles.
The most significant achievements in the field of AI and their impact on political, economic and social aspects of international development
The impact of AI on geopolitical relations, competition between countries, opportunities for cooperation to ensure security and development
International and national process of developing regulatory and legal frameworks for the development and use of AI
Ethical and social issues related to the development and application of AI
Analysis of risks and possible threats associated with the use of AI
The future of AI and its importance for global development: an overview of current trends and development prospects
Regional specifics of AI development

Assessment Elements

Class discussions
List of sources and literature on the research topic
Critical review of scientific literature on the topic of personal research
Abstract of a completed report on a separate aspect of independent research
public pre-defense of the project proposal of independent scientific research
Project proposal of independent scientific research

Interim Assessment

2024/2025 4th module
0.14 * Abstract of a completed report on a separate aspect of independent research + 0.14 * Class discussions + 0.14 * Class discussions + 0.14 * Critical review of scientific literature on the topic of personal research + 0.14 * List of sources and literature on the research topic + 0.18 * Project proposal of independent scientific research + 0.12 * public pre-defense of the project proposal of independent scientific research

Bibliography

Recommended Core Bibliography

Azim Nanji. (1997). Mapping Islamic Studies : Genealogy, Continuity and Change. De Gruyter.
Bank, A. (DE-576)187604169. (2015). Comparative Area Studies and Middle East Politics after the Arab Uprisings / André Bank. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edswao&AN=edswao.444964142
Halliday, F. (2004). 9/11 and Middle Eastern Studies past and future: revisitingIvory towers on sand. International Affairs, 80(5), 953–962. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2346.2004.00427.x
Jin Wang. (2016). Middle East Studies in China: Achievements and Problems. MERIA Journal, 20(2), 51–58.
Shorter, F. C. (1966). The Application of Development Hypotheses in Middle Eastern Studies. Economic Development & Cultural Change, 14(3), 340. https://doi.org/10.1086/450169

Recommended Additional Bibliography

International relations of the Middle East / Louise Fawcett. (2005). Oxford [u.a.]: Oxford University Press. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edswao&AN=edswao.108313514
Kurzman, C. (DE-576)178891576. (2007). Cross-regional approaches to Middle East studies : constructing and deconstructing a region / Charles Kurzman. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edswao&AN=edswao.389885290
Pierre Hecker, & Igor Johannsen. (2017). Concepts of Culture in Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies. Middle East : Topics & Arguments, 7(0), 5–13. https://doi.org/10.17192/meta.2017.7.6491

Authors

LUKYANOV GRIGORIY VALEREVICH

Course Syllabus