Introducing the students to analysis of identities and their impact on conflicts in the Arab and Muslim world. The students will learn how to deal with the reference to identity in the conflicts beyond simplifications or stereotypes.

Studies focusing on the Arab and Muslim world often insist on the permanence and the reproduction of irreducible identities that supposedly shape social and political conflicts in the region. The course introduces - in situations and not only in theory - key concepts such as sectarism, tribalism and solidarity bonds, discuss the history of their creation in the field of Arab and Muslim World studies, and present their potential role – material and/or symbolic - in the conflicts in the area. Case-studies will also be explored more deeply.

Max. 20 students. Priority is given to PEACE students but some places are available for exchange students. Pre-enrolment by December 15 by email (bruno.lefort (a) uta.fi).

- Active participation in the lectures
- Group-presentation of a case-study focusing on one particular conflict
- Essay

Selected articles (to be announced at the beginning of the course)