Syllabus
The course is divided into three thematic parts. In the first part (block A), we will deal with introductory topics. These topics will cover only a brief historical overview, the rise and fall of Arab nationalism, and the role of religions and religious and ethnic minorities in the MENA. In the second part of the course (block B), we will shift our attention to modern political thought that shaped the social and political movements in the Middle East. Finally, in the third part of the course, we will focus on gender politics in the ME, especially women, their clothing, and LGBTQ+ “rights”. We will also discuss modernity and how it is understood in the ME. Block A:
1. Introduction (4th October)
2. A brief history of the modern ME: from the the Ottoman Empire to Arab nationalism (11th October)
3. How religion shapes MENA's political systems and societies (18th October)
4. Ethnic and religious minorities in the ME (25th October) Block B:
5. Islamic fundamentalism and Political Islam (1st November)
6. The Religious Far Right in Israel, guest seminar w/ Jakub Záhora (8th November)
7. Revolutions and Protest movements in the ME (15th November)
8. Arab Spring or Arab Winter? (22nd November) Block C:
9. Clothing, LBTQ+ "rights" (29th November)
10. Modernity, contemporary art and culture and its implications for politics (6th December)
11. Women and gender roles in the Middle East (Women in Judaism, guest seminar w/ Timea Crofony) (13th December)
12. Perceptions of the West in the Middle East (20th December)
Annotation
After 9/11 and the subsequent invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan, the region of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) became one of the most studied regions in the world. However, MENA is still covered in various prejudices and media biases and is often regarded as a predominantly "backward, violent, and angry" region. This course will challenge these assumptions and stereotypes while examining MENA’s modern history, cultures, religions, and politics. This course thus offers a fresh perspective on this multifaceted region and puts a special emphasis on its people, society, and culture; essential elements often neglected elsewhere.
Therefore, it is important for students to keep in mind that this course does not deal with a comprehensive history of the ME nor offers an overview of its modern conflicts. Instead, we will focus on various Middle Eastern groups that are often marginalized (religious groups, ethnicities, women, tribes, sects, LGBTQ+, protesters but also ordinary people). Together we will discuss how these groups form and influence the politics of the contemporary Middle East. The genealogical relationships between the groups will be outlined and framed within a modern historical context (mainly post-colonial, see Block A below) to highlight the dynamic nature of Middle Eastern diversity. We will also address why and how impressions of the "stagnant East" may often be misleading in international politics.
During the semester, we will focus on gaining new knowledge and skills to analyse and evaluate information, introducing students to contemporary culture and ideas, and ultimately promoting empathy, understanding, and tolerance.