OVERVIEW

The course will provide an overview of historical, political, economic, and social processes in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region during the 20th and 21st centuries. Within a critical perspective on the Orientalist and Eurocentric approach of the so-called "area studies", the course will examine, among others, the following topics: the crisis of the Ottoman Empire and European colonization; independence movements, between nationalisms and pan-Arabism; intra- and extra-regional international relations; the rise and spread of political Islam; the Arab revolutions and the transformations they generated. Particular attention will be given to the gender perspective (state feminism, women's rights movements, women's adherence to Islamist politics), investigating the instrumentalizations of women's rights and bodies both in the Eurocentric "civilizing" discourse and in the counter-discourse of those who would oppose it.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Students who have successfully completed the course will: -- have thorough knowledge of this historical period, especially regarding the growth of Islam and the social and cultural worlds of the Ottoman eras. -- be able to apply their knowledge and analytical skills to understand medieval and modern political and social processes in the Middle East -- be able to express their own critical views on historical developments in Middle East -- have improved their writing skills -- have improved their critical reading skills.

PREREQUISITES

Basic knowledge of Contemporary History and International Relations, together with an interest in contemporary political issues and social processes in the area, can facilitate the study. To facilitate better integration of all students, some key concepts will be taken up and/or supplementary readings suggested during the first few lectures

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures, student presentations, class discussions, and seminars with experts to nurture discussion and encourage class participation.
All lecturer’s communication will be done via Aulaweb

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Students should prepare the following text (mandatory):

• Durac, V. and F. Cavatorta (2022), Politics and Governance in the Middle East. 2nd edition. London: Bloomsbury Academic.

And one of the following texts of their choice:

• Benedict Anderson ([1983] 2016), Imagined Communities. Reflections on the Origin and Spread of Nationalism. London and New York: Verso.
• Raymond Hinnebusch (2015), The International Politics of the Middle East. 2nd edition. Manchester University Press.
• Elias Jahshan (Ed. by) (2022), This arab is queer. An Anthology by LGBTQ+ Arab Writers. London: Saki books.
• Deniz Kandiyoti (Ed. by) (1991), Women, Islam and the State. London: Palgrave Macmillan.
• Ilan Pappè, Ten Myths About Israel. London and New York: Verso.
• Margherita Picchi (2022), L'ombra dei fratelli. Le sorelle musulmane nell’Egitto contemporaneo. Lucca: La Vela.
• Sadiki, L. (Ed. by) (2020), Routledge handbook of Middle East Politics. London and New York: Routledge. (selected chapters)
• Edward Said ([1978] 2003),  Orientalism. Western Conceptions of the Orient. London: Penguin Books.

Additional material (articles, other readings, videos) will be provided during the course and will be available on Aula Web.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

MARTA PANIGHEL (President)

FRANCESCO BARALDI

GIAMPIERO CAMA

FABRIZIO COTICCHIA (President Substitute)

MARGHERITA SALVIA (Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Classes will start on Wednesday 21 February 2024

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Attending students:

The final grade will be calculated on the basis of:

• Attendance and participation 10%
• Midterm exam 40%
• Final exam finale 50%

Midterm exam: in-class presentation of an article chosen from those proposed by the lecturer.

Final examination: Oral exam on the mandatory text, the text of the student's choice, and topics addressed in class.

Non-attending students:

For those who cannot attend class, the exam program will focus on the compulsory text and the text of their choice, and an additional compulsory text:

• Michele Penner Angrist (Ed.) (2013), Politics and Society in the Contemporary Middle East. 2nd edition. Boulder, Colorado: Lynne Rienner Publishers.

Students with specific learning disorders:

Please contact the lecturer at the beginning of class to work out together the most fruitful way to attend class and prepare for the exam.

Exam schedule