This course surveys recent revolutionary struggles that have rocked the Islamic world, from North Africa, the Middle East into Asia. Even as we will grapple with the revolutionary processes in Tunisia, Egypt, Syria, Libya, Iran, Bahrain and Yemen, we will also contemplate potential revolutions emerging elsewhere, including in Arab monarchies. Our scope will range from peaceful pro-democratic uprisings to radical jihadist campaigns.

The course is introductory, with no prerequisites. Top requirement is keen interest in the dramas unfolding. Summer session class format will mix lectures with frequent discussions, debates, and viewing of key film clips and compelling documentaries (including “The Death of Fear,” and “The Square”)

Among our key questions: Why have people been rebelling across the Islamic world? What do they want? Who wants to stop them? Are these revolutions failing, being hijacked, or re-loading? What do the radical jihadists want? What about democracy, Islam, nonviolence? How do these uprisings compare to revolutions of the past? Do they have a future? What does history counsel? What roles for international actors? What should the US do, or not do?

At the University founded by America’s own revolutionary icon, we will also seriously consider, “What would Jefferson think?”