Oriental languages and civilizations

General educational objectives: the course conveys the fundamental elements for the knowledge of the contemporary history of the Arab world (the regional system composed of 22 Arab countries) from the mid-nineteenth century to today. Specific educational objectives: upon completion of the course the student will acquire the following knowledges and skills: 1) basic knowledge of the historical, social and cultural dynamics of the different phases of the historical development of the Arab world from the mid-nineteenth century to today and, within them, the specificity of the macro Arab regions and of individual countries, as well as the interaction between the Arab regional system and the international system; 2) ability to place in time and space the main historical-cultural events and phenomena characterizing the contemporary history of the Arab world; 3) basic knowledge of the common characteristics and the differentiations of the countries of the Arab world in terms of human geography (physical, demographic, economic, socio-cultural) and ability to compare and deepen them independently; 4) ability to present orally or in writing a topic related to the phenomenon under study, also based on oral and written exercises; 5) ability to continue the study autonomously, also based on in-depth research seminars.