Duration
45h Th
Number of credits
Lecturer
Language(s) of instruction
French language
Organisation and examination
Teaching in the second semester
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents
Socio-anthropological approaches to the uprisings in the Arab world.
The uprisings which shook the Arab world in 2011 may have looked unexpected, catching even the most informed experts by surprise. These uprisings of protest, insurrection and rebellion - leading as far as revolution - plunged into question the numerous prejudices and stereotypes which had led to a static, conformist vision of Arab societies.
In this course, we propose to take a closer look at these historical events - in particular the "Tunisian revolution" - to study them from a socio-anthropological viewpoint and from a post-colonial perspective.
In terms of revolutions in general, and the Tunisian revolution in particular, one question remains unanswered: how does a revolution begin? What are the triggers for a revolution? How do people move from claims and protests towards revolution? These questions are even more enigmatic when we think about the Tunisian revolution. Why did the Tunisian population, which had been silent for so long, revolt? The Tunisian example will be scrutinised and analysed in and of itself, because of its singularity and because it is an exemplar.
The course will also be the chance to revisit the concept of "revolution" and "theories of revolution" to take a closer look at them and understand the possibility that they can shed light upon revolutionary situations in the Arab world. We will also discuss claims around the apparently weak propensity of these societies to democracy, and their "tendency" towards authoritarianism.
In this course, we will introduce a new problem for the study of Arab societies. This involves undertaking an in-depth analysis of multiple examples of compromise and how these are reached in these societies. The issue is to change the epistemic approach to the Arab world, and to consider the development of a new perspective which is likely to render socio-political changes and religious, cultural and economic developments in these societies more intelligible.
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
To introduce socio-anthropological analysis of the future of Arab societies and their ability to meet the challenges of reform and democracy in order to respond to the requirements of modernity. To provide students with the conceptual tools and empirical know-how so they can understand the dynamics of social change and the cultural and political characteristics of Arab societies
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning)
Interactive teaching. The first sessions will be devoted to a general presentation by the lecturer of the issues covered in the course. The following sessions will consist of students making presentations (possibly prepared in groups) and discussions. Active student participation is therefore required.
Recommended or required readings
A bibliography, scientific texts and documents will be provided for students. A list of themes for the presentations will also be provided during the first session. Students will be able to propose other subjects, on the condition that they are directly related to the course. The presentation programme will be agreed upon with the students in the first session. During each session, the students who have prepared the presentation should provide a written version of their text to the lecturer and the other students
Assessment methods and criteria
- Presentation: 1/3 of the grade
- Final oral exam 2/3 of the grade
Work placement(s)
Organizational remarks
Contacts
Teacher: M. NACHI - Office 0/48 - Tel.: 04/366.31.61 - E-mail: M.Nachi@ulg.ac.be Secretary: Mrs M. SALERNO - Tel.: 04/366.31.61
Items online
Islam in Tunisia
Islam in Tunisia