Course code

HIL6584.HT

old course code

Course title in Estonian

Lähis-Ida ühiskonnad

Course title in English

Societies in the Middle East

ECTS credits

6.0

Assessment form

Examination

lecturer of 2025/2026 Spring semester

Üllar Peterson (language of instruction:Estonian)

lecturer of 2026/2027 Autumn semester

Not opened for teaching. Click the study programme link below to see the nominal division schedule.

Brief description of the course

This course provides a systematic overview of the main social structures of the Middle East, with a particular focus on the Islamic world. It examines the historical development of classical Islamic society and its religious-philosophical foundations, as well as key social issues such as the role of minorities, the position of women, and the emergence of Islamic fundamentalism.
The course also considers the societal impact of other cultures and languages in the region and analyses the organisation of contemporary Middle Eastern societies in the context of the political and social transformations of the 20th century, with particular attention to the role of religion.
Lectures are complemented by seminars. The course supports the development of analytical and critical thinking skills, as well as the ability to interpret social phenomena in a broader historical and intercultural context.
The thematic focus of the course may vary from year to year depending on the instructor.

Learning outcomes in the course

Upon completing the course the student:
- demonstrates systematic knowledge of the key concepts and historical development of social organisation in the Middle East;
- analyses and interprets the main structures and processes of Middle Eastern societies, with a focus on the Islamic world;
- distinguishes between classical and modern components in the social organisation of contemporary Islamic states and analyses their impact;
- explains the role of religion, culture, and language in the formation of social structures in the Middle East;
- critically evaluates information and academic sources and uses digital resources responsibly in the study of social and cultural phenomena;
- works independently and collaboratively, communicating both orally and in writing in a multicultural academic environment.

Teacher

Üllar Peterson

Study programmes containing that course

Asian Studies (HTAUB/27)
Asian Studies (HILAB/26.HT)
Asian Studies (HILAB/25.HT)
Asian Studies (HILAB/24.HT)
Asian Studies (HILAB/23.HT)
Asian Studies (HILAB/22.HT)
Asian Studies (HILAB/21.HT)
Asian Studies (HILAB/20.HT)
Asian Studies (HILAB/19.HT)
Asian Studies (HILAB/17.HT)
Asian Studies (HILAB/16.HT)