Laboratory:socialism Between the Middle East and North Africa
A.Y. 2023/2024
Learning objectives
The course aims at providing students with the tools necessary for an in-depth understanding of socialism in the MENA context, also thanks to the fact that lecturers have different geographical and linguistic areas of expertise. Students will thus have an additional key to understanding the social, political and cultural changes affecting the Middle East in the 21st century. Through the writing of a final paper in the form of a short essay, the course also aims at strengthening both research and writing skills that are necessary for the completion of academic studies.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course, students will have strengthened their so-called transversal skills, that are useful in both academic and professional contexts. First, the focus on the methodological aspect will allow them to refine research techniques in the historical field, particularly in the MENA context, enabling them to grasp the crucial nodes and historiographical issues analysed in the workshop. Second, by writing a final paper and presenting it in class at the end of the workshop the participants will developed expository skills that will be useful during the elaboration of the dissertation/thesis and in future academic and/or professional contexts.
Lesson period: Third trimester
Assessment methods: Giudizio di approvazione
Assessment result: superato/non superato
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Third trimester
Course syllabus
The workshop examines the historical and political role of socialism in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), from the earliest "proto-socialist" elaborations in the 19th century to its subsequent evolution. After a methodological introductory lecture, the workshop will analyze the impact that various forms of socialism have had on the political, economic and social phenomena in some MENA countries. Through case studies and comparative analyses, students will be invited to critically analyze factors, dynamics and contexts that fostered the success and decline of socialist movements. Special attention will also be paid to the study of the broader regional geopolitical context, while also taking into account external influences, such as that of the Soviet Union, and local dynamics.
Prerequisites for admission
no
Teaching methods
Lectures and presentations.
Teaching Resources
Lectures notes plus readings suggested before the final essay
Assessment methods and Criteria
At the end of the course, participants will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of the historical and political scope that socialism has had in the Middle East and North Africa by re-elaborating the themes and concepts covered in class through the writing of a paper and its presentation and discussion during the last class of the course. The topics of the papers may include three themes: a historical-political one, aimed at identifying the relationships and connections between two socialist movements; a comparative-ideological one, aimed at identifying similarities and divergences between two or more case studies; and a geopolitical one, aimed at framing a number of socialist experiences within the broader regional scenario.
SPS/14 - ASIAN HISTORY AND INSTITUTIONS - University credits: 3
Laboratories: 20 hours
Professor:
Giunchi Elisa Ada
Professor(s)
Reception:
Wednesday 4,15 PM-6 PM
Room 9, Floor 1 (Via Conservatorio)