Arab countries and the Middle East are still unfamiliar to many Japanese and are often subject to prejudice and misunderstanding. In the first half of this lecture, students learn basic knowledge about the Middle East and Muslim world, with special focus on Arab countries. Then in the second half, looking back on about 10 years since the so-called 'Arab Spring' in which protests by citizens calling for the overthrow of the long-lasting dictatorship spread among Arab countries, we examine how the people in the Arab countries attempted to change their society, while appreciating the cultural and artistic works created in the process.
*I plan to deliver interactive lectures in Zoom. Check the SOL class site for updates