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Learner Reviews & Feedback for Constitutional Struggles in the Muslim World by University of Copenhagen

4.8
stars
703 ratings

About the Course

Learn what motivates the restive Muslim youth from Tunis to Tehran, what political positions Islamists from Mali to Chechnya are fighting for, where the seeming obsession with Islamic law comes from, where the secularists have vanished to, and whether it makes sense to speak of an Islamic state. Since 2009 there has been a renewed wave of popular unrest sweeping throughout much of the Muslim world. Secular, but generally repressive and inefficient autocracies have come under pressure or been swept aside entirely. At the same, the various Islamic Republics have not fared much better, but been convulsed by internal unrest, economic and social decline. Throughout the Muslim lands, existing constitutional arrangements are being challenged, often very violently. This course is a survey of the constitutional ideas and institutions that have developed since the mid 19th century throughout predominantly Muslim countries, but its focus will lie on the actors that have dominated this discourse and shaped its outcomes. We will look at the large body of classical writings on the Islamic state only in so far as it is necessary to understand the contemporary debate, but concentrate on the legal and political developments of the 20th and 21st centuries. Three common themes will characterise the course:  We privilege the study of the legal and social reality and seek to highlight where it is at odds with dogmatic stipulations, be they religious or constitutional.  We seek to illustrate the practical tensions posed by limited administrative capabilities and political legitimacy that resulted from the incomplete reception of modern bureaucratic statehood.  We seek to examine how popular dissatisfaction with the practical performance of Muslim governments has fuelled demands for greater accountability under the guise of cultural authenticity.  Ultimately, the course aims to equip participants to better understand Muslim contemporary discourse about the res publica, better contextualise the demands for religious law in public life, and to better ascertain the theoretical and practical feasibility of postulated religious alternatives to the still-dominant secular model of governance....

Top reviews

OD

Dec 3, 2015

This is most interesting course where I truly learn a lot and get new insights. Prof. Afsah is a wonderful teacher, I do enjoy every minute of this course!

AC

Dec 3, 2017

Awesome course, very well presented and formative. I recommend this course to anyone that want to understand the situation in the middle east, very well donethank you

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176 - 200 of 223 Reviews for Constitutional Struggles in the Muslim World

By RODRIGUES, M P

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Feb 18, 2017

This is a great course, congratulations.

By Manuel L L

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Oct 28, 2016

Never have I taken such a better course.

By Juan D M N

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Nov 27, 2015

Great. Too useful. Excellent professor.

By JAVIER G R

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Apr 4, 2025

Excelente curso, bastante interesante.

By Emma B

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Feb 21, 2016

Excellent course. Highly recommend it.

By JUAN I A P

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Aug 4, 2025

Muy extenso, pero muy enriquecedor.

By Fantastic O

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Aug 31, 2017

Excellent and far reaching course

By SUMAN S B L

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Apr 17, 2025

It's a great experience for me.

By UMAR T

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Feb 21, 2020

Very Knowledgeable instructor

By kaiser m i

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Oct 26, 2015

This is a wonderful course.

By Dr. R P

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Aug 12, 2020

REALLY FIVE STAR COURSE

By Libero P

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Aug 15, 2025

Πολύ καλό μάθημα.

By Tamar V

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Sep 19, 2017

Excellent course!

By Gipsi T

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Apr 26, 2016

Excellent course.

By small9

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Jan 5, 2016

Excellent course!

By Ruben B P

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Dec 28, 2015

Excellent course!

By Alexis I Y

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Jan 11, 2016

Excellent class!

By OLGA L G L

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Apr 19, 2025

EXCELENTE CURSO

By Andrés J C H

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Dec 8, 2017

Amazing course.

By Gonza M G

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Jul 5, 2017

me gusto mucho!

By RODRIGO A C G

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Aug 11, 2025

Excellent!!!

By Mustantik

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Dec 21, 2015

Great course

By Ricardo P

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Dec 22, 2016

Excellent!!

By Clemente G O C

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Nov 7, 2016

Excellent!

By ADOLFO C T

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Apr 22, 2024

increible