Arab Spring – Research / Presentation

The Assignment

Politics is a science as well as an art, —a form of practice, it tells us how and when to do things. Let us not forget, that the arts of persuasion, intervention and inspiration and accommodation are part of politics. As always, every art also produces an aesthetic, or the ways by which we think about art; it gives us a way to be, art is what we do and how we do things. Those things and acts that become visible when we do and produce certain actions—conversations, speeches, greetings, protests, banners, celebrations and other expressions—all constitute the means by which thought becomes visible, effective, and sensible. As Rancière says, "these forms and visible expressions of the sensible constitute the aesthetics of politics." Thanks to peaceful protests in the face of regime brutality, in the "Arab Uprisings" tens of millions of people have performed change in myriads of expressions: aesthetics. Their feelings have cumulatively changed, and how people feel about governance, is it not what ultimately, politics is all about?

1. Graffiti, murals, cartoons, you tube video, music and monologues and other dissident art have transformed/ transforming public spaces and mobilized public opinion in the Middle East. How is Arab revolutionary art helping break the spell of political oppression?
2. Your group will Answer the above question and focus on a specific country, and its participation/involvement in the "Arab Spring". Using dissident art your goal is to analyze what has happened in that country up to this point, and to offer your opinion on these events.

Your group will create a media presentation (powerpoint, flash movie, music video, performance peace, peaceful protest etc. ) and will present your findings to the class.

Be sure that your presentation answers the following questions about your country:

1. What is/was the political situation in this country before the "Arab Uprising" (Who held power? Give a quick profile of the leader or government that was in power.)
2. Why have people protested? Who are the protesters (ie: what social groups / demographics)? What changes do the protesters want to see?
3. How did protests in this country begin? What has happened so far? What forms have protests taken (rallies, internet campaigns, demonstrations, violence)? How has the government reacted? Have the protests or revolution succeeded?
4. What has the international reaction been? (Ie: Are other countries involved? Organisations, Human Rights watch, UN. etc, Which countries support the revolts? Which countries are against it? Explain why.)
5. EACH GROUP MEMBER MUST work with one above question and, PRESENT THEIR OPINION AT THE END OF THE PRESENTATION.

• What is your personal opinion of the events in this country?
• Are the changes positive? Why or why not (provide evidence)
• What do you think is the "best case scenario" for this country? (explain)
• What dangers or challenges may this country (or others) face as a result of these events (ie: the "worst case scenario")?

The keys to a good presentation:

• KNOW WHAT YOU’RE TALKING ABOUT! … use the images and text in your media presentation as a starting point, and tell us what we need to know (if you need notes,
• USE LOTS OF IMAGES AND VISUALS! Should include photos of key players and events. Use these to illustrate your points. You may use video, but only short extracts – it shouldn’t replace your own presentation.
• Include facts, statistics, titles, etc. in your presentation.

• Each group must hand in a copy of their presentation, as well as a source-list of the different resources their group has used.

Besides all the readings and resources on the class website the links below will be very useful.

• Gives good summaries of the protests in the different countries involved, and offers useful statistics and information. Offers links to other articles as well.

• In a sweeping timeline, the Guardian’s timeline shows the protests, government reactions, and international responses. Though it shows all of the major countries involved, you can focus on just one. Offers links to articles.

An Overview of the Arab Spring

• Offers a basic overview of the events, countries, and factors involved in the Arab Spring. Though it’s not necessarily the most reliable source, you may find it helpful to get a basic overview here. Articles on the A.S. in individual countries stem off of this main article.

Arab Art and politics

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http://www.opendemocracy.net/freeform-tags/tahrir-square-meme
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http://www.arabist.net/blog/2012/3/16/looking-through-walls.html
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http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/may/05/arab-revolutionary-art-political-oppression
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http://arttattler.com/archivehudalufti.html