THE MEDITERRANEAN SPACE: RELIGIONS, ECONOMIES AND CULTURES THE MEDITERRANEAN SPACE: RELIGIONS, ECONOMIES AND CULTURES
- Overview
- Assessment methods
- Learning objectives
- Contents
- Full programme
- Delivery method
- Teaching methods
- Contacts/Info
None
Written exam on issues presented during the course or oral presentation on a case study of a State of the MENA region (both from an economic and a legal-social point of view).
The course aims to offer a historical-geopolitical and economic overview of the Mediterranean space, highlighting the influence of religions and cultures on economic development and exchanges between the two shores of the Mediterranean. The student will have to become aware of the complexity and mutual inter-dependence of the factors involved as well as of the plural and constantly changing nature of the geopolitical space considered.
The course offers an interdisciplinary analysis of the historical and contemporary dynamics that characterize the Mediterranean basin as an area of trade, conflict, and cooperation. The module on Mediterranean economies (25 hours) explores the region's major economic and financial transformations, with particular attention to development differentials between the two shores, the role of natural resources, economic migration, and trade integration processes. A specific focus will be on Islamic finance, considered an example of an alternative economic system that is increasingly relevant in North Africa and the Middle East. The module on Law, Religions, and Cultures in the Mediterranean area (25 hours) will analyze the major religions of Mediterranean, their historical presence, their laws, and contemporary issues. We will then focus on the analysis of some MENA region states, including their current socio-political situation, the consequences of the Arab Spring, the analysis of their constitutional structure and the role of religions and religious freedom in their legal systems.
- Socio-economic situation of the Mediterranean - Major economic and financial transformations in the region, with particular attention to development differentials between the two shores and the role of natural resources - Economic migration and trade integration processes. - Specific focus on Islamic finance - Analysis of the main religions of Mediterranean area - Religious laws; contemporary issues (e.g., tradition and modernity in Islam; the status of women and the socio-political development of the MENA states, etc.) - The Arab Spring and its repercussions - Case studies on selected MENA states (current socio-political situation, constitutional framework, role of religions, especially Islam; protection of religious freedom in their legal systems) - Seminars on specific topics (e.g., the Israeli-Palestinian conflict)
Lessons, seminars and discussions on case studies.
Teachers are available for tutoring students after lessons or via Teams, by appointment.