Information Session: Dec. 1 at 6:30pm in 215 SH. Students who cannot make the info session are encouraged to meet with Prof Turam during her office hours on Nov 18 from 10:30am-12pm
Dates (tentative): July 1-July 31
Leaders: Prof. Berna Turam (b.turam@neu.edu) and Idil Elveris
Course Descriptions: Beginning in Istanbul (July 1-12), students will visit multiple sites public sites/associations of Muslim and secular politics, observe, learn and write on the dynamics of Muslim and secular politics. During their exposure to everyday sites of Istanbul, they will explore and reflect on the conditions of democratization, both political reform and shifts in state-society interaction. Students will also see how Turkey deals with issues such as the rapidly changing role of women, gender and ethnic politics, poverty and various forms of nationalism. During the first two weeks, we will have guest lectures and a workshop in which local intellectuals and academics as well as foreigners who specialize in Turkey) present their work. Students will then visit Galipoli and Troy on our way to the historical remnants in Ephesus in Izmir, and stay in Bodrum-Izmir (entire trip: 13-18). We will be back to Istanbul (19-2 August). During this time, we will have guest lectures. Students will ask questions during discussion period. They will also have close exposure to one or more association(s) or NGO, which they will reflect on in their writing.
Social Conflict & Community Services Abroad, SOCL 3471: This dialogue will provide an in-depth understanding of cooperation and conflict within and between state and society. With a staunchly secular state and a 99% Muslim majority society, Turkey stands as a buffer zone between Western democracies and Muslim societies. The achievements and potentials of democratization also brings Turkey to the forefront of public attention for both Muslim and Western observers. Due to the geopolitical significance of Turkey, , its awaiting membership to become the only Muslim country in the EU, and its rather difficult accommodation of a wide-range of ethnic groups render Turkey a country of a strategic importance for world politics and international dialogues. While exploring ordinary actors in everyday life and sites, the course will incorporate the role of NGO�s, think tanks and a variety of Muslim and secular associations in establishing the means of �cohabitation�? How do community activists, local religious and secularist leaders, feminists and human rights activists cooperate and (dis)agree among each other? How do they (dis)engage with the state towards the achievement of a stronger civil society and a better democracy?Dialogue of Civilizations: Globalization & Social Sciences, INTL 4398: this course provides the interdisciplinary approach to understanding the history, culture, politics, and society of Turkey. At the cross-roads of Europe, Mediterranean, Central Asia and the Middle East, Turkish politics and culture play an important role as a bridge between major regional players of world politics. Istanbul, the former capitol of Byzantium and Ottoman Empires, has hosted many civilizations. Because of its history as a bridge and a battleground between cultures, modern Turkey developed a distinct political culture. Through participant observation, informal conversations and scheduled discussions and interviews, we will explore how Turkey entwines Muslim politics with a stable competitive secular multi-party politics, free and fair elections, a wide-range of competing nationalisms, efficient social movements, and a rapidly growing free market. Visitors are often surprised to see how staunch secularism, such as the headscarf ban in public offices and schools, is accompanied a rapidly flourishing and vocal public religion and religious symbols in public sites.
NU students will participate in public sites, which designate the meeting points of religious and secular politics as well as different ethnic and nationalist groups. The students will use their site visits and participant observation to develop their own interest and projects. Their hands-on research will be complemented with guest lectures. In addition, I will organize a workshop with Turkish professors and local intellectuals, in order to provide the NU students to meet and engage with local specialists and make personal connections.
Course Credits: 8 NU credits in total
Pre-requisites:
Interested students should have completed a course in at least one of the following: Religion & International Affairs; Globalization & International Affairs; Middle East Studies; previous dialogue; related course in Sociology, Political Science, or International Affairs.Cost:Summer tuition for 8 NU credits plus additional costs TBD.
Application Process: Download the dialogue of civilizations application and waiver form. Turn in two copies of each completed form and two copies of your unofficial transcript to the Office of International Study Programs in 10 BV.
Application Deadline: Dec. 7, 2009
For more information: Contact Prof. Berna Turam (b.turam@neu.edu)
Disclaimer: Some information posted here is tentative and subject to change based on costs and dates of available flights. The website is updated as current information becomes available.
