Sami Hamdi 
Managing Director of the International Interest, a global risk and intelligence company. He advises governments on the geopolitical dynamics of Europe and the MENA region, and has significant expertise in advising companies on commercial issues related to volatile political environments and their implications on market entry, market expansion, and managing of stakeholders. Sami is also featured as a commentator for Aljazeera (Arabic and English), Sky News, BBC, TRT World, and other outlets.

Hanaa Hasan
Hanaa Hasan is an academic researcher and journalist based in London. She graduated with a BSc in Economics from SOAS, University of London and a MSc in Development Studies from the London School of Economics. Specialising in the Middle East, she has conducted research on neoliberalism and global inequality, Islamic economic theory and the political economy of development.

Course Description

The SUPA program is an 8-week seminar with the goal of empowering engaged Muslims with the essential skills and methodologies for conducting concise, meaningful, and impactful political analysis.

It is imperative for Muslims to engage effectively in political discourse, shaping narratives, and advocating for their causes. This intensive seminar is tailored for Muslims committed to an Ummatic future who aspire to become influential voices in the digital sphere, particularly through platforms such as social media and news organizations, various media outlets or corporate events.

In a rapidly changing world where information is disseminated at an unprecedented pace and we are inundated with information and competing narratives, the need for informed, articulate, and engaged Muslim voices has never been greater. This seminar offers a unique opportunity to acquire the skills and knowledge to become effective advocates for the well-being of the Muslim Ummah.

Ideal candidates are highly motivated who are serious about becoming a leading voice online in regards to shaping narratives on political analysis, journalism and/or advocacy.

Course Objectives

1. Develop Analytical Skills: Equip participants with the essential tools and methodologies to analyze political events, policies, and trends from an Ummatic perspective.
2. Master Storytelling Techniques: Cultivate the ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences, effectively conveying messages and influencing opinions.
3. Promote Critical Thinking: Foster critical thinking skills necessary to discern misinformation, propaganda, and biased narratives prevalent in today’s media landscape.
4. Strengthen Ummah Connectivity: Emphasize the interconnectedness of the global Muslim community (Ummah) and inspire collaborative efforts towards common goals and shared interests.
5. Practical Application: Implement strategies for applying Ummatic principles in real-world scenarios, reflecting a commitment to Islamic practice and knowledge. Advocate for Islam as a force for global good in personal, local, and global spheres of influence.
6. Network Building: Build meaningful connections with other like-minded muslims having an Ummatic orientation, cultivating a supportive community. 
7. Research and Independent Study: Demonstrate the ability to pursue independent research on topics for political analysis drawing from diverse sources. Identify and fill gaps in political discourse with an Ummatics lens.
8. Effective Communication: Articulate your political analysis persuasively to diverse audiences.
9. Commitment to Lifelong Learning and Contribution: Commit to being lifelong contributors to the field, actively seeking opportunities to deepen and broaden your understanding while advocating for the Ummah.
   
   

Course Structure

This dynamic seminar consists of live, online interactive classes that span over 8 weeks and is structured to blend theory with practical application, ensuring participants not only grasp concepts but also acquire actionable skills. Each week will focus on specific themes, integrating real-world case studies that demonstrate the relevance of the component and its centrality to analysis along with hands-on exercises to reinforce learning objectives.

The course consists of four main components:

• Identifying circles of power
• Identifying local trends and currents
• Identifying geographical interests
• Exploring the relevance of Islam as a framework of analysis in scenario forecasting

Among the weeks:

• Four are dedicated to exploring each component
• One is dedicated to synthesizing the components together in a coherent structure through scriptwriting and interview practice
• One is dedicated to the Ummatic perspective
• One is for students to present an analysis on a chosen topic

These case studies will include:

• Arab Spring: As an example of the fluidity of power and agency
• Turkish elections: To highlight the power of narratives and ‘memories’ versus economic considerations
• Saudi Arabia and Iran feud/Libya and the Mediterranean: As an example of how geography dictates trends
• Bosnia war: How Islam remains integral to foreign policy considerations

The case studies also offer an avenue to simultaneously expose students to some of the most important political events in the Muslim world over the last 100 years and also the rich heritage and literature of political analysis methodology in Islamic history that will reinforce one of the ultimate aims of this course which is to demonstrate that Islam is a legitimate, practical, and relevant lens through which to interpret and analyze politics.

By the end of the course, students will be able to present at least one analysis of a particular topic within 3 minutes that they will have built upon the four components.

Application Deadline: May 6
Time Commitment: 4-5 hours per week
Course Cost: 1,500 USD (waived)

Scholarship: Ummatics is offering full scholarships for 10 candidates. After all applications are reviewed, the highest quality applicants will be selected and granted admission with full fees covered.

To apply, please complete the form below.