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I. Course DescriptionThis course is designed based on the premise that France is not only an integral member of the European Union, but also a bordering country of the Mediterranean basin. Therefore living and studying in Aix-en-Provence gives the student first-hand experience in one of the many identities that encompass the Mediterranean coastal region. This culturally diverse region has been connected for millennia by a shared geographic space. It has also been plagued by violence and instability for years. Students will read texts on the geopolitical issues facing the countries of the Mediterranean basin today as well as analyze contemporary policies to have a better understanding of the possibilities for regional peace and stability.
II. RationaleIn the post 9/11 world the discourse of a ‘clash of civilizations' is omnipresent. The Mediterranean Basin is a crossroad of civilizations, a zone of exchange as well as confrontation where the Occident meets the Orient. Since the end of WWII this region has been engulfed by conflicts most notably along nationalist, religious and ethnic fault lines. However, many of these conflicts have deeper causes that can not easily be attributed to cultural and religious differences. This course seeks to examine these deeper geopolitical causes for a better understanding of the security issues facing the region.
III. TextbooksT.E. Lawrence, "The Seven Pillars of Wisdom", "The Edward Said Reader", edited by Moustafa Bayoumi and Andrew Rubin, Granta Books, London, 2000.Emanuel Adler and Beverly Crawford, "The Convergence of Civilizations", Toronto, University of Toronto Press, 2006.Newspapers, weekly magazines, on-line sources and any other journals will be required as well to compliment this course with the current affairs of Mediterranean issues.
IV. Course Objectives and Outcomes•Students will improve their knowledge of the political, economic, demographic, and geographic issues facing the countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea.•Students will improve analytical skills in conflict prevention and resolution by examining many case studies in the region, with the ability to look past obvious explanations in order to seek the more hidden geopolitical explanations.
V. Instructional Methods and Activities The course is both lecture and discussion based. Students are encouraged to participate in class debates in order to better their understanding of the issues facing the region. The readings are essential to following the course as they will provide the basis for discussions and lectures. Two journal analyses and a final research paper are expected of the students to work on and improve their analytical and research skills.
VI. Evaluation and GradingConflict analysis (25%): An 10-12 page analysis of a contemporary conflict in the Mediterranean region. Details will be given in class.Quizzes (25%): Roughly take home short writing assignments throughout the semester, grade is based on an average of all quizzes. Mid-term (25%): Essay format.Final exam (25%): Another in-class essay. VII. Attendance and ParticipationOne of the primary requirements this semester is that you attend class. This is not a lecture class and its success dépends very much on your coming to class on time, prepared for the lesson, and ready to participate in discussion and activities. Attendance and participation will be part of your final grade.
VIII. Tentative ScheduleWeeks 1 and 2: Theory of Geopolitical Analysis, Introduction to the Mediterranean BasinWeeks 3, 4, 5: The Security Issues by Region: Levant - Israeli-Arab conflicts, 1948, 1956, 1967, 1973, including current Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the fulcrum of regional crisesWeeks 6, 7 : The Balkans: Mid-term-Conflicts in ex-Yugoslavia: war once again comes to Europe Weeks 8, 9: The Maghreb:- French-Algerian conflict 1954-1962, 1994-1996 terrorism lessons for todayWeeks 10, 11: Europe Union and Turkey - Cyprus: and Greece/Turkey relations...Turkey in the bigger European pictureWeek 12: Initiatives for Democracy, Peace and Security
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