Reflections on the Arab World

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label Diverse autorenew 2025-09-29, 17:01 history_edu Ioana Dinescu
In this course we will study the Arab World with a deeper insight of identity theory in general and our own identity in particular. Before approaching historical, philosophical, cultural, religious and political texts/movies from and about the Arab World we will briefly analyze our own identities. They are our point of departure on a two-week journey in which we deal with the Arab people and their life. Arab countries are diverse in many ways and worth to be studied in depth. With an average age of 25 years, Arab youth will play a key role in the decades to come. Images of Arabs however, are often erroneous and based on stereotypes.


To deconstruct these we will consult theories of cultural, social and national identity and also apply them to ourselves. Arabs also share many features such as language, religion and certain cultural aspects. Also economically the region is of utmost importance, not only in terms of natural resources. The geo-political location is only one of the reasons why the Arab World has witnessed and is witnessing continuous military assaults from foreign powers. In many other respects that are usually under represented in the general media, historically, scientifically and socially there is a lot to learn from this part of the World.

To most readers not a single Arab philosopher, poet or historian is known by name. We will together fill this gap. Furthermore, by inviting both Arabs and non-Arabs for guest lectures to share their experiences and expertise we will jointly arrive at an understanding of the region that is academically grounded, supported by real life observations and determined by modesty towards the vast knowledge we encounter.

Period
08-07-2013 - 19-07-2013 (2 weeks)

Target group
Everybody interested in academic refelctions on the Arab World

Course aim
An intellectual voyage in the spirit of the following quote: Learn about yourself and others how you want others to learn about themselves and you.



Credits
4.0 ECTS credits

Course fee
EUR 700:

Course + course materials

Course leader
Tijan Ramahi, MSc

Scholarships
Not available

Maastricht University + Maastricht School of Management Student Service Centre
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Country: Netherlands
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