Program Highlights

- Explore the implications of emerging political and social movements in the Islamic world on European policies and societies

- Investigate potential models of peaceful transformation in Central Europe of 20 years ago and today’s Turkey for current political shifts in North Africa

- Examine the dynamic history of the relationship between Europe and Islam from times before the Ottoman Empire through the Crimean War and until today

- Study the impact of migrations and their intersections of class, gender, ethnicity, and religion on local communities in Poland, Germany and Turkey

- Design and complete an independent research project on a topic of your interest

Program Description

On this program students examine the complex relationship between Europe and Islam: from their dynamic history and current challenges of cultural plurality in European societies, to–most recently–shaping political models for today’s democratic transitions in the Islamic world. Based in Poland with guided field studies to Turkey and Germany, students learn from faculty at Jagellionian, Tübingen, and Bilgi universities. Guest speakers include some of the activist leaders in Poland’s peaceful democratic transition 20 years ago, frequently hailed as a potential model for today’s North Africa. Students explore the implications of migrations for national and European policies and societies, particularly in local communities in Germany and Poland, examining issues of identity and social stratification of ethnic minorities, class structures, and gender roles. Additionally, students design and conduct an independent research project.