INST 3580 - Arab Uprisings

5 credit hours
The wave of revolutionary uprisings in the Arab world collectively referred to as the “Arab Uprisings” were a surprise to many. Experts had long been aware of deep political, social and economic problems in the region, but the uprisings, which started on Dec. 18, 2010 have challenged assumptions about the passivity of Arab subjects and the intransigence of authoritarian regimes. As violence continues in some areas and Islamist regimes take hold in others, many questions will follow. What will democracy look like there? What will happen to minorities in each state? Will women be equal participants in the public sphere? What roles will Turkey and Iran play in the region? And what role should the U.S. play? This course will interrogate these questions, among others. The class will delve into a brief history of each country and examine the circumstances that gave rise to the uprisings that began in 2010. Special attention will be given to the role of cultural forms, most particularly social media, in promoting, sustaining, and shaping protestors’ messages. Cross-listed with HIST 3580.