Universität Wien

141212 SE Social, political, and religious movements in the Arab world (2025S)

The Spring and Winter of Politics in the Middle East between Sufism and Salafism

Continuous assessment of course work

Registration/Deregistration

Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).

Details

max. 14 participants
Language: English

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

  • Wednesday 05.03. 16:45 - 18:15 Seminarraum Arabica UniCampus Hof 4 2D-O1-27
  • Wednesday 19.03. 16:45 - 18:15 Seminarraum Arabica UniCampus Hof 4 2D-O1-27
  • Wednesday 26.03. 16:45 - 18:15 Seminarraum Arabica UniCampus Hof 4 2D-O1-27
  • Wednesday 02.04. 16:45 - 18:15 Seminarraum Arabica UniCampus Hof 4 2D-O1-27
  • Wednesday 09.04. 16:45 - 18:15 Seminarraum Arabica UniCampus Hof 4 2D-O1-27
  • Wednesday 07.05. 16:45 - 18:15 Seminarraum Arabica UniCampus Hof 4 2D-O1-27
  • Wednesday 14.05. 16:45 - 18:15 Seminarraum Arabica UniCampus Hof 4 2D-O1-27
  • Wednesday 21.05. 16:45 - 18:15 Seminarraum Arabica UniCampus Hof 4 2D-O1-27
  • Wednesday 28.05. 16:45 - 18:15 Seminarraum Arabica UniCampus Hof 4 2D-O1-27
  • Wednesday 04.06. 16:45 - 18:15 Seminarraum Arabica UniCampus Hof 4 2D-O1-27
  • Wednesday 11.06. 16:45 - 18:15 Seminarraum Arabica UniCampus Hof 4 2D-O1-27
  • Wednesday 18.06. 16:45 - 18:15 Seminarraum Arabica UniCampus Hof 4 2D-O1-27
  • Wednesday 25.06. 16:45 - 18:15 Seminarraum Arabica UniCampus Hof 4 2D-O1-27

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

After gaining independence and joining the Western European "race for modernity," most states in the MENA region were faced with the difficult task of adjusting their official state policies, religious institutions and social systems to the dominant trends of the era. We will examine how the socio-political and geopolitical situation progressed in the MENA region from the late 19th century onwards, paying note to changing political atmosphere that alternatively gave rise to democratic or socialist systems, but also to authoritarianism and theocracy in certain regions, and at certain times.

In addition, during the course of the semester, we will examine the influence of groups with a Salafi bend, ranging, for instance, from the Muslim Brotherhood, over al-Qaeda and ISIS, to Hamas, on geopolitical events in the region. At certain times, various Sufi orders represented direct opposition to such groups, and increasingly grew political despite their declining social and institutional importance since the second half of the 20th century. Such orders shall be discussed as well.

Assessment and permitted materials

The course will be split into three thematic clusters, focused on politics, Salafism, and Sufism in the late modern and contemporary period. After the completion of a cluster, students will be invited to present their thoughts on particular case studies, which will add to their final grades.

Participation is mandatory. Students can skip three course sessions, after which an official proof of the reasons of absence will be required. Attending the class and participating actively in class discussions will further add to the final grades.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

Examination topics

Reading list

Selected readings will be published on Moodle in the duration of the course.

Association in the course directory

RP-3, WM-19

Last modified: Mo 17.02.2025 17:06