Since early Twentieth century, Egypt has been home to many of the Middle East most significant social, political and ideological movements. Egypt’s Gamal Abdel Nasser’s leadership of the non-aligned movement as well as his pan-Arabist ideology has brought Egyptian politics and foreign policy to world attention. The recent Arab uprisings and their aftermath have again brought to the fore the importance of Egyptian internal politics and their ramifications regionally and globally. An understanding of the society and politics of Egypt is essential to contextualising the recent events. The course will examine Egypt’s complex history with authoritarianism, populism, civil society activism, informal politics and the interplay between economic development and political trends. 

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. demonstrate an understanding of the politics and society of Egypt in the modern and contemporary eras;
2. consider and understand the economic, social and political changes which have affected Egypt within the wider Middle East region and globally 
3. develop understanding of the major social and political trends in Egyptian society and politics;
4. develop analytical skills through critical reading, discussions, and in the writing of essays and reaction papers; and
5. develop reasoned arguments and communicate ideas cogently both orally and in writing.

Research-Led Teaching

The lecture content will include scholarly research in the field of contemporary and historical Arab and Middle Eastern Studies including the lecturer’s own research. In addition, other data, research and concepts will be presented during the lectures that are not covered in the weekly readings. This material will be sourced from scholarly journals and presses, research institutes, consultancies, and international agencies. During the tutorials, students will have the opportunity to analyse, apply, and present on contemporary and historical developments, relevant theoretical concepts, and issues related to Egypt and the wider Middle East.

Field Trips

There are no field trips in this course.

Additional Course Costs

There are no expected additional class costs for this course.

Examination Material or equipment

No examination material or equipment is necessary.

Required Resources

The required resources for this course - specifically course readings - will be available for download on Wattle.

Recommended Resources

Preliminary Reading

El Shakry, Omnia. The Great Social Laboratory: Subjects of Knowledge in Colonial and Postcolonial Egypt (Stanford University Press, 1997)

Salem, Sara. Anticolonial Afterlives in Egypt: The Politics of Hegemony (Cambridge University Press, 2020)

Ismail, Salwa. Political Life in Cairo's New Quarters. Encountering the Everyday State (University of Minnesota Press, 2006)

Rutherford, Bruce. Egypt after Mubarak: Liberalism, Islam and Democracy in the Arab World (Princeton University Press, 2008)

Posusney, Marsha. Labor and the state in Egypt: workers, unions, and economic restructuring (Columbia University Press, 1997)

Toensing, Chris et al. The Journey to Tahrir: Revolution, Protest, and Social Change in Egypt (Verso, 2012)

Mehrez, Samia. Egypt’s Culture Wars: Politics and Practice (Routledge, 2008)  

Other Resources

Additional readings related to the weekly topics will also be provided via the links on Wattle.

The ANU Library subscribes (electronically) to a wide range of academic journals. Journals that may be helpful for your research include:

The Middle East Journal

Middle East Quarterly

Middle East Policy

International Journal of Middle East Studies

Middle Eastern Studies

Arab Studies Quarerly

Middle East Critique

Journal of Middle East women's studies 

Journal of the Middle East and Africa  

Journal of Islamic Studies

Mediterranean Politics

Middle East Report

British Journal of Middle Eastern Studies

Middle East Law and Governance

Middle East Journal of Culture and Communication

Middle East Development Journal

Review of Middle East Studies

Useful Websites

Egypt General Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics: https://www.capmas.gov.eg/HomePage.aspx

Egypt General Authority for Investment and Free Zones: https://www.investinegypt.gov.eg/english/Pages/default.aspx

African Development Bank: https://www.afdb.org/en/countries-north-africa/egypt

International Monetary Fund: https://www.imf.org/en/Countries/EGY

World Bank: https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/egypt

OECD: https://www.oecd.org/countries/egypt/

Australia Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade: https://www.dfat.gov.au/geo/egypt

Doing Business (World Bank Group): https://www.doingbusiness.org/en/data/exploreeconomies/egypt

Global Edge: https://globaledge.msu.edu/countries/egypt

Transparency International: https://www.transparency.org/en/news/cpi-2020-middle-east-north-africa

Global Innovation Index: https://www.globalinnovationindex.org/analysis-indicator

US Congressional Research Service: https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/RL/RL33003/104

US Department of State: https://www.state.gov/reports/2021-investment-climate-statements/egypt/

Amnesty International: https://www.amnesty.org/en/location/middle-east-and-north-africa/egypt/report-egypt/

Human Rights Watch: https://www.hrw.org/middle-east/n-africa/egypt

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group, etc

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	From Napoleon, Muhammad Ali Pasha, to the British
2	The 1919 Revolution
3	The Nasser Era and Pan-Arabism
4	The Saddat Era and Neo-Liberalism
5	The Mubarak Era and Liberal Authoritarianism
6	January 2011 Uprising and the Deep State	Assessment Due: Reflection Paper (2000 words) due Week 6
7	The Copts, the State and the Politics of Religion and Minorities
8	Labor, Civil Society, and Popular Movements
9	The Muslim Brotherhood and Political Islam
10	Feminism and Patriarchy
11	The Sisi Era Foreign Policy
12	Egypt's Military Economy	Assessment: Research Essay (4000 words) due Week 12

Tutorial Registration

This course will have tutorials or tutorial-like teaching activities. Further details about the structure and teaching activities for this course will be available on the course Wattle site by the start of Week 1.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Learning Outcomes
Tutorial Participation (10%)	10 %	1,4,5
Reflection Paper - 2000 words (40%)	40 %	1,2,3,4,5
Research Essay - 4000 words (50%)	50 %	1,2,3,4,5

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Attendance at and participation in all classes is expected. All assessment tasks should be attempted to pass this course. Seminars will be delivered on campus and online through Zoom and recorded and made available on Echo360. A choice of face-to-face and online synchronous (Zoom) tutorials will be offered.

Examination(s)

This course does not have a final examination.

Assessment Task 1

Tutorial Participation (10%)

Details of Task:

It is essential to your learning – and the learning of others in the class – that you are fully involved in the course. This means that you need to:

a) Attend class – though much learning will be done outside the classroom, class time is a valuable, scarce resource. You are expected to arrive ready to begin class on time; to not leave until class is over; and to attend all classes. If for any special reason you are unable to meet these requirements, please talk to the course convenor about it.

b) Come prepared – it will be assumed that you have completed any assigned readings and prepared for the discussion questions prior to class.

c) Actively participate in the learning – we owe it to ourselves and our colleagues to participate as fully as possible in the class sessions.

For students studying remotely, participation will be assessed through engagement via Zoom.

Purpose:

To evaluate the issues and challenges related to the politics and society of Egypt in the modern and contemporary eras. Develop analytical skills and reasoned arguments and communicate ideas cogently both orally and in writing.

Marking Criteria:

This component is intended to evaluate the level and quality of your contribution to tutorial discussions, which should reflect your analytical and problem-solving skills. More specifically, it assesses your ability to understand situations and diagnose problems and to communicate your views effectively. This assessment specifically addresses Learning Outcomes 1, 4, & 5 by evaluating your ability to communicate effectively throughout the semester on modern and contemporary Egypt. As the course will be delivered in a hybrid mode (face-to-face and remotely via Zoom), opportunities will be provided for all students to participate in the weekly seminars and tutorials. Your grade will be based on your attendance record and quality and breadth of participation. You will receive a progress mark in the grade book on Wattle by the end of Week 6, and your final participation grade will be available in the grade book within one week after Week 12.

Assessment Task 2

Reflection Paper - 2000 words (40%)

Due date:

Week 6

Instructions:

Students are asked to submit a 1500-word Reflection Paper worth 40% of their mark. This assessment will provide a reflection on a topic covered during weeks 1,2,3, 4 or 5. The Reflection Paper must provide an analytical reflection on a specific topic and consult additional scholarly and primary sources. The Reflection Paper must be 1,500 words in length (+/- 10%) and to include professional referencing and a bibliography. Note that the word count excludes references and the bibliography. The Reflection Paper must consult and cite at least five scholarly sources.

Purpose:

To evaluate the issues and challenges related to the politics and society of Egypt in the modern and contemporary eras and enhance student's writing and engage them with topics taught during Week 1,2,3, 4 or 5.

Marking criteria:

Further guidelines, including a marking rubric will be posted on Wattle at the start of semester (Week 2).

Submission instructions:

Assignments are to be word-processed. The use of professional expression and presentation is expected. The Harvard referencing style is to be used. Links to documentation on referencing methods are available on the course website or from the ANU Library website. You are required to submit an electronic copy of your assignment to Turnitin via the Watttle website. Further information about Turnitin is provided below.

Return of assignments:

Assignments with grade and comments will be returned via Turnitin within 10 days of the submission date.

Extensions and Late Submission:

• Extensions

All requests for extensions to assessments must be submitted to the course convener before the due day and time and must include supporting documentation. Extension to assessment applications submitted after the due date or without supporting documentation will not be accepted. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

• Late Submission

Late submission of this assessment task without an approved extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date.

Assessment Task 3

Research Essay - 4000 words (50%)

Due date:

Week 12

Instructions:

Students are asked to submit a 3000-word Research Essay worth 50% of their mark. This research essay provides students the opportunity to conduct in-depth research of a topic of their choosing about Egypt. The research essay must demonstrate strong theoretical and analytical components and consult scholarly and primary sources on Egypt. A list of optional topics will be uploaded on Wattle during Week 2, or an alternative topic can be determined in consultation with the course convenor during Office hours or Tutorials. The Research Essay must be 3,000 words in length (+/- 10%) and to include professional referencing and a bibliography. Note that the word count excludes references and the bibliography. The Research Essay must consult and cite at least ten scholarly sources.

Purpose:

To evaluate the issues and challenges related to the politics and society of Egypt in the modern and contemporary eras and enhance student's writing and engage them with topics taught throughout this course.

Marking criteria:

Further guidelines, including a marking rubric will be posted on Wattle at the start of semester (Week 2).

Submission instructions:

Assignments are to be word-processed. The use of professional expression and presentation is expected. The Harvard referencing style is to be used. Links to documentation on referencing methods are available on the course website or from the ANU Library website. You are required to submit an electronic copy of your assignment to Turnitin via the Watttle website. Further information about Turnitin is provided below.

Return of assignments:

Assignments with grade and comments will be returned via Turnitin and made available within 14 days of the submission date.

Extensions and Late Submission:

• Extensions

All requests for extensions to assessments must be submitted to the course convener before the due day and time and must include supporting documentation. Extension to assessment applications submitted after the due date or without supporting documentation will not be accepted. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

• Late Submission

Late submission of this assessment task without an approved extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.

Hardcopy Submission

Not applicable

Late Submission

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

• Extensions

All requests for extensions to assessments must be submitted to the course convener before the due day and time and must include supporting documentation. Extension to assessment applications submitted after the due date or without supporting documentation will not be accepted. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

• Late Submission

Late submission of this assessment task without an approved extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Returning Assignments

Please see relevant assessment task details above.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

Not permitted.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Accessibility for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students