Research Seminar Introduction to the Contemporary Middle East and North Africa (MENA)

2025/2026

Academic Year

ENG

Instruction in English

3

ECTS credits

Delivered at:

Institute for Oriental and Classical Studies

Course type:

Elective course

When:

1 year, 4 module

Instructor

Samadi, Mozhgan

Course Syllabus

Abstract

The course “Introduction to the Contemporary Middle East and North Africa (MENA)" is designed for one semester (one session per week - 8 lecture and 7 seminar sessions in English). This course is devoted to introducing social institutions and various aspects of societies in the contemporary MENA region such as the origins of family and ethnic ties, mobilised traditionalism, and political, social, economic, and cultural structures in the region. Two principle thematic questions run throughout the course, linking its various sections together: “What, if anything, is distinctive and exceptional about MENA?” and “How has MENA changed throughout the 20th century?” Students will be introduced to a range of the most up-to-date international sources relating to the study of the contemporary Middle East and North Africa, including reference and survey works, case studies, and internet resources. The principal goals of this course are to lay the foundations for a prospective deeper study of MENA while facilitating acquisition of intellectual and personal transferable skills.