To introduce students to a rangeof cultural, hisorical and linguistic issues that represent the Mediterranean as a connecting and transpolitical space;

To provide students with anoverview of the history of the Mediterranean,from the Middle Ages to the present;

To enable students to develop acomparative sensibility to the material under consideration, coveringtopics such as immigration, identity and the fluidity of geopolitical space.

(LO1) Read unfamiliar and challenging literary texts,showing specific knowledge about the contexts in which those texts were produced; considering in particular issues of identity, ethnicity, colonialism,historical migratory movements.

(LO2) Appreciate the diversity of literary material that represents the Mediterranean and the cultures connected by it, by considering approaches from a variety ofhistorical and linguistic contexts.

(LO3) Evaluate critical approaches to representations of the Mediterranean as a connecting space, and select those likely to be pertinent and fruitful, explaining and defending choices when asked to do so either by other students or the module tutors.

(LO4) Understand and discuss critically the societies, cultures and historical contexts from which the prescribed texts emerge and to which their authors belong.

(LO5) Contribute to and (where appropriate) lead tutorial discussion, analysing in significant detailliterary texts with regard to their broad themes, and literary, socio-culturaland historical context.

(LO6) Detect affinities between the prescribed texts by analysing common themes whilst making cross-comparisons between authors and contexts.

(LO7) Complete coherent, focused and structured assignments on topics related to the set texts.

(LO8) Make competent use of secondary literature and achieve the proper integration of such material into an original argument.

(LO9) Demonstrate an awareness of the intercultural sensitivity required for a successful understanding of the material and themes under consideration.

(S1) Problem solving skills

(S2) Organisational skills

(S3) Communication skills

(S4) International awareness

Teaching Method 1 - Seminar
Description: The principal aim of the module is to encourage independent study outside formal contact hours and to equip students to develop the necessary comparative skills and intercultural sensitivity to analyse and discuss the material under consideration. Seminars will combine opportunities to consider context and background with more general discussion of overarching themes and comparative approaches to material.
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Self-Directed Learning Description: In order to make the most of contact hours, students will be expected to complete all required reading for the course independently, and also to read around the subject with the aid of the secondary bibliography provided. Directed independent learning will be encouraged by tutors in the form of questions to prepare in advance of seminars.

Over the course of the module, students will engage with a range of cultural, historical and linguistic issues that connect Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. Topics for study on the module include literary texts, film, history and linguistics, which present the Mediterranean as a connecting and transpolitical space. If applicable, works studied will be available in translation.