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)