ACHIEVE-IT Summer School in Sousse: “Critical Global Studies – Mediterranean Crossroads”

Intensive training from September 26 to October 1, 2025, in collaboration with the University of Sousse on borders, memory, and post-colonial approaches

Within the framework of the PNRR project ACHIEVE-IT (Academic Collaboration through Higher International Education for a Viable and Equitable Africa with Italy), funded by the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR), the University of Parma organized an intensive Summer School titled: “Critical Global Studies – Mediterranean Crossroads: Border Studies, Memory, and Post-Colonial Approaches”, held in Sousse, Tunisia, from September 26 to October 1, 2025, in collaboration with the University of Sousse.

The Summer School aimed to develop a critical understanding of the dynamics across the Mediterranean space through interconnected and non-Eurocentric perspectives. Particular attention was given to borders, memory, post-colonial legacies, and issues related to decolonization and mobility justice.

The program included thematic modules on:

Border Studies and the Mediterranean: analysis of border dynamics and functions, EU border externalization policies, migration routes, dimensions of solidarity, and practical case studies with local organizations;
Memory Studies: conflicting narratives on migration, family networks and associations of missing persons, forensic work on memory, and collaboration with local organizations;
Post- and Decolonial Approaches: contemporary manifestations of colonial legacies, subaltern perspectives, de-centered approaches from participants’ countries of origin and Southern Italy;
Postcolonial Imaginaries on the Future of Euro-Africa: future representations, performing arts, youth cultures, alternative development models, mobility justice, and ecological considerations in the Mediterranean.

The teaching methodology combined:

33% theoretical lessons (lectures and guided debates);
33% interactive workshops (case studies, group work, pratical exercises);
33% field experiences (meetings with local organizations, activists, and artists).

The course also promoted the co-construction of a common vocabulary and the creation of a transnational research network, aiming to produce a collective publication (counter-dictionary) as a tangible outcome.

We would like to extend our special thanks to the Committee for Organization and Logistics Support:Dottoressa Vincenza Pellegrino (Unipr), Dr Youssef Chedly (Université de Sousse), PhD Mayssa Joabli (Université de Sousse), Alessio Pietrolucci (Unipr), Bianca Restori (Unipr) for their essential support in the success of this Summer School.

ACHIEVE-IT Summer School in Sousse: “Critical Global Studies – Mediterranean Crossroads”

Intensive training from September 26 to October 1, 2025, in collaboration with the University of Sousse on borders, memory, and post-colonial approaches

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