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Call for Applications Theme: Political Transitions of the Arab Spring Subtitle: From Revolutions to Institutions? Type: International Summer School Institution: Netherlands Flemish Institute Location: Cairo (Egypt) Date: 21.7.–1.8.2013 Deadline: 15.6.2013 __________________________________________________ What is this Summer School about? The revolutions and revolts of the Arab Spring in 2011 caught many commentators, analysts and policy makers by surprise. For a long time, the Middle Eastern and North African region was perceived as stuck in a dichotomy between a stable dictator and Islamist radicals. We were often told that the region would never change, or if it would change it would be for the worse. Yet, suddenly this dichotomous image of the dictator versus the Islamists was unsettled as ordinary citizens took to the streets en masse, and demanded, fought and died for their social, political and economic rights. Yet, many of those revolutionaries are now frustrated with the lack of democratic, economic and social progress and what they see as a grab of power of Islamist political forces. In other countries where protests emerged on a mass scale, such as Bahrain, Libya, Saudi Arabia and Syria, the results have been ambiguous throughout. Thus, this crucial region is in political, economic and social turmoil. Through a focus on the political processes in Egypt (which will be placed in a regional and international context)students from all over the globe will gather and gain a unique insight into the precise dynamics of such transitional processes. Students will be presented with a unique opportunity to engage on a first-hand basis with local and international academics, activists and civil society organisations that have been closely involved with the uprisings and the subsequent transformation processes. Through interactive seminars, lectures and creative workshops involving a variety of local, national and regional social and political actors, students will be offered a multidimensional picture of the revolts and its causes – as well as solutions for the enormous and continuing challenges facing Egypt and the region. Situated within the heart of the Egyptian uprisings, the city of Cairo, this summer school will thus address questions such as: What were the main causes of the Arab Spring uprisings? And how should we understand the demands of the various groups involved? What is the relation between Islam and democracy within the regional context? What are the ideological differences underlying the tensions between Islamist and secularist political forces? How have the remnants of the old regime dealt with? What is the relation between the development of democracy and human rights and the protection of minorities within the Egyptian context? How are democratic transformations institutionalised within the Egyptian context? And looking at Syria and Libya, is non-violence a viable option for social protest? What will be the specific topics? The summer school will include lectures and seminars on the following topics: - The social, political, economic, cultural and historical context of the Arab Spring - The demands for socio-economic justice and political rights and freedoms - The complicated relations between ‘reformist’ Islamism and the demands for social justice - The complex relations between the security services, military, political parties and activists - Issues of violent and non-violent resistance - Non-Western and Western visions of democracy and of Islam - The relation between ideas of democracy and functioning political institutions - Transitional justice of the Arab Spring: from Ben Ali to Hosni Mubarak - Ideas and practices of human rights, international security and development - The relation between minority rights, revolutions and transitions Where and when will the summer school be held? The summer school will be held at the premises of the Netherlands-Flemish Institute in the vibrant district of Zamalek in Cairo, Egypt. The summer school will last from 21 July until 4 August, and entail 10 teaching days. How is the course programme structured? The teaching programme will entail a 2-hour lecture in the morning, followed by a break of 30 min. After the break, a two-hour seminar will take place wherein group discussion and other creative teaching methods and academic interaction are employed. There will also be additional evening events and cultural activities. Students are required to read the ascribed reading, which will be made available online prior to the class. Will there be assignments? Students will be expected to write a reflective diary of 3000 words on the summer course stating their activities and things they have learnt from the ascribed literature, classes and visits. In addition, students will be expected to participate in a group presentation and lead a group discussion during one of the seminars. The reflective diary is 75% of the mark and the group presentation and discussion is 25% of the mark for the summer school course. Will I get a certificate? Upon successful completion of the summer school assignments and attendance of all the compulsory seminars on the programme, students will be provided with certificate stating their participation in the summer school as well as achieved results. The course will be awarded 6 ECTS (inquire with the exam board of your university). Who will teach? The lecturing and teaching staff will consist of international and national prominent university professors from Cairo University, the American University of Cairo, the British University of Egypt, the VU University Amsterdam and the University of Groningen. In addition we will also organise excursions to non-governmental organisations and activist groups, in addition to other cultural activities and guest lectures. Who can apply? The summer school is open for international, regional and national students with a keen interest in the areas of international politics, human rights, social justice, democracy, development and conflict. How much does it cost? The summer school fees will be 350 Egyptian pounds for Egyptian nationals resident in Egypt and 565 Euros for International students. The fees include lectures, seminars, coffee and tea breaks, excursions, cultural events and an end of course dinner. This tuition fee does not cover health- or travel insurance, accommodation or travel. How do I apply? You should register your interest for the summer school by emailing BOTH of these email addresses: [email protected] and [email protected]. In order to apply, you should send a curriculum vitae, letter of motivation and an overview of your grades. Please note that only upon full payment of the course fees your place at the summer school is guaranteed. Ultimate deadline for applications: 15 June 2013. Website: http://www.instituten.leidenuniv.nl/nvic/onderwijs/andere-cursussen/international-summer-school.html __________________________________________________ InterPhil List Administration: http://interphil.polylog.org Intercultural Philosophy Calendar: http://cal.polylog.org __________________________________________________
