This course goals are to provide an advanced introduction to the field of Mediterranean studies from a historical perspective, focused on Islamic economics and their intellectual and religious implications.

1. Analyze the historical role of Islam in Mediterranean socio-economic structures. 2. Evaluate Islamic economic principles (e.g., banking, resource management) and their modern applications. 3. Assess the impact of Islamist movements on governance, social services, and globalization. 4. Develop critical perspectives on challenges and opportunities for development in Islamic Mediterranean societies.

This course examines the social and economic development of Mediterranean countries, emphasizing Islam as a pivotal agent in shaping political, cultural, and economic systems. It explores historical legacies, Islamic economic models, and the contemporary role of Islamist movements. The syllabus is divided into three parts: historical foundations, economic systems, and the influence of Islamist movements in modern contexts. Critical analysis of case studies (Tunisia, Libya) will contextualize theoretical frameworks.

Silverstein, Adam. Islamic History: A Very Short Introduction. Very Short Introductions. Oxford University Press, 2010; Tottoli, Roberto. Islam: An Advanced Introduction. Routledge, 2021; ʻAnānī, Khalīl. Inside the Muslim Brotherhood: Religion, Identity, and Politics. New York, NY: Oxford University Press, 2016; El-Ashker, Ahmed Abdel-Fattah, and Rodney Wilson. Islamic Economics: A Short History. Themes in Islamic Studies 3. Leiden Boston: BRILL, 2006. Further readings: Euben, Roxanne Leslie, and Muhammad Qasim Zaman, eds. Princeton Readings in Islamist Thought: Texts and Contexts from al-Banna to Bin Laden. Princeton Studies in Muslim Politics. Princeton University Press, 2009; Kuran, Timur. Islam and Mammon: The Economic Predicaments of Islamism. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2010. Class specific additional readings will be provided during the course.

A balanced combination of various teaching techniques including lectures, discussions, teamwork and other class activities as well as video materials will be implemented
 Classes will be based on lectures with slides in class which will introduce students to the specific topic, and 
seminar. Attendance is mandatory, absences for internships are not justified (only in special cases authorized by the Area Director) other absences must be announced and motivated.

The assessment is made through periodical quizzes at the end of each module of the course. Quizzes amount to 1/3 of the final evaluation for attending students. Quizzes are primarily aimed at progressively verifying students’ learning process and coherently adapt teaching. If a student cannot attend the course will prepare a paper (3000 words max) on a topic agreed with the teacher. The final exam is oral and amounts to 2/3 of the final evaluation. It will deal with the program of the whole course, unless otherwise agreed with the class.

Final score 30/30 and good analytical skills. If the final grade is 28/30 or less, the teacher may consider supervising the thesis if attendance and participation in the course activities have been commendable.