Learning to Revolt: The Role of Students in the National Movement in Colonial Tunisia

by James J. Natsis

Overview

This historical monograph offers a unique look at the independence movement in Tunisia, during French colonial rule, from a perspective largely neglected by scholars: the voice of the students who were major participants. The experience of Tunisia's students lends to a better comprehension of the relationship between Western education and the inception and development of a nationalist movement. James Natsis takes a sweeping look at student/youth associations and organizations from their beginnings in 1896 to independence in 1956. The theoretical framework of this study is based on colonial educational policy and its resulting effects on conflict theory and alienation theory. Natsis also considers the impact of external influences such as Communism and Pan-Arabism.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780761822165
Publisher:	University Press of America
Publication date:	02/01/2002
Pages:	134
Product dimensions:	5.48(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.43(d)

About the Author

James J. Natsis is Coordinator of the International Affairs Office, West Virginia State College, Institute.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Acknowledgements Chapter 2 List of Acronyms Chapter 3 Introduction Chapter 4 Theoretical Context: Chapter 5 African Student Organizations: Background Chapter 6 Colonial Education and its Repercussions Chapter 7 Tunisian Students and the Struggle for Independence: Chapter 8 Tunisia: Youth Organizations, Education, and Political Parties- Historical Background Chapter 9 Tunisia's Educated Youth from the Late 1940's to 1956 Chapter 10 Discussion Chapter 11 Chronology Chapter 12 Glossary Chapter 13 References Chapter 14 Index Chapter 15 About the Author

Editorial Reviews

Arguing that the role of students (and many others) has too often been left out in studies of the struggles against colonialism, Natsis (international affairs, West Virginia State College) explores how Tunisian students were educated; organized; integrated into the political scene; influenced by external ideologies of pan-Arabism, communism, and Western democracy; and affected psychologically by colonial education policy. He discusses the evolution of the African student organizations and explores how the French notions of , egalit<'e> et fraternit<'e>/> helped seed disillusion among Tunisian students. After looking at participation of students in the anti-colonial movement, Natsis concludes that the thrust of the national movement was rooted in colonial education policy that attempted to assimilate a small elite, but instead sowed the seeds of discontent. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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