Performance Ethnography: Living the Historical Rupture

This course explores the question: What does it mean to live through historical rupture? We examine how historical events—such as wars and political crises—can disrupt communities and identities, creating gaps between past and present selves. Using biographical theatre as both method and medium, we focus on two forms: Playback Theatre, where stories are shared and transformed into live performances, and Documentary Theatre, which combines archival materials and personal narratives.

Exile, Activism and the University

This online course examines the role of universities as spaces of protection for human rights defenders (HRDs) in exile, focusing on how academic institutions can provide protection for activists. Today, authoritarianism is rising globally, and those who dare to contest authoritarian governments are often forced into exile. Traditional measures of human rights protection may not be sufficient. In this context, universities have the capacity to function as semi-safe spaces that offer resources, networks, and communities that allow HRDs to sustain their work.

Violence, Gender and Resistance in West Asia

This course examines gender-based violence in West Asia through feminist and queer perspectives, with a particular focus on physical, sexualized, economic, and psychological violence against women, children, and queer individuals. Special attention is paid to domestic violence, femicide, so-called “honour” killings, female genital mutilation, violence in conflict settings, and violence affecting displaced and migrant populations.

Critical Peace and Civil Society / Aşitiya Rexneyî û Civaka Sivîl

This online laboratory examines the role of civil society, as a central mid-level actor in peace-building processes, including civil society organizations (CSOs), religious and ethnic leaders, intellectuals, and professional associations, and their capacity to bridge decision-makers and conflict-affected communities.