RT1327: Islam in the Contemporary World
| School | Religion |
| Department Code | SHARE |
| Module Code | RT1327 |
| External Subject Code | 100796 |
| Number of Credits | 20 |
| Level | L6 |
| Language of Delivery | English |
| Module Leader | null null null |
| Semester | Autumn Semester |
| Academic Year | 2015/6 |
Outline Description of Module
This module critically investigates a number of debates and topics relating to Islam and the contemporary Muslim world. We shall focus upon Muslims in the Western European context, especially Britain. We shall look at two concepts: identity and racism and consider how these map onto the case of Muslims in Britain and Western Europe. In this way, the module will enable students to engage with a range of issues affecting Islam and Muslims in the contemporary context: gender, youth, sacred place and authority, freedom of expression, politics and media.
On completion of the module a student should be able to
1. Describe and analyse the recent history and development of Muslims and Islam in Britain.
2. Critically assess the differences and diversity amongst Muslims in Britain.
3. Describe and analyse how the issues of gender, youth, sacred place and authority function amongst Muslims in contemporary Britain.
4. Analyse and evaluate particular cases related to Muslims and Islam in European public life.
5. Apply and evaluate theory on ‘identity’ and ‘racism’ to Muslims and Islam in Europe.
How the module will be delivered
1. Lectures and seminars based on a range of textual and AV sources.
2. Group presentations.
Skills that will be practised and developed
1. Describe, synthesize and analyse information from a range of multi-disciplinary primary and secondary sources.
2. Evaluate and critically assess a range of arguments.
3. Apply theoretical concepts to particular cases.
4. Produce work that is clearly written and which develops evidence based arguments within a set time-frame.
5. Present a piece of scholarly work to peers in a 10 minute presentation prepared in advance.
How the module will be assessed
The module will be assessed by means of two essays of 2,000 words each.
Assessment Breakdown
| Type | % | Title | Duration(hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written Assessment | 50 | Rt1327 Essay 1 @ 2,000 Words | N/A |
| Written Assessment | 50 | Rt1327 Essay 2 @ 2,000 Words | N/A |
Syllabus content
· Settlement of Muslims in Britain
· Typology of Muslims in Britain
· Gender & Youth
· Religious leadership & mosques
· Identity
· Introduction to anti-Muslim racism
· Bodies of Muslim women
· Headscarves
· Politics and Muslims
· Media and Muslims
· The Danish Cartoons
· Muslims and racism
Essential Reading and Resource List
Core Reading
Malik, Maleiha (ed.), Anti- Muslim Prejudice (Abingdon, 2010).
Gilliat-Ray, Sophie. Muslims in Britain, An Introduction (Cambridge, 2010).
Hall, Stuart. ‘Old and new identities, Old and new ethnicities’ in L. Back and J. Solomos (eds), Theories of Race and Racism, A Reader (Abingdon, 2000), pp. 144-153.
Hall, Stuart, ‘The Question of Cultural Identity’ in Polity Reader in Cultural Theory (Oxford, 2004), pp. 119-125.
International Migration 44 (2006) [Special Issue].
Kelly, Paul. ‘Introduction: Between Culture and Equality’ in Paul Kelly (ed.), Multiculturalism Reconsidered (Cambridge, 2002), pp. 1-17.
Back, Les and Solomon, John. ‘Introduction: Theorising race and racism’ in Les Back and John Solomos (eds), Theories of Race and Racism, A Reader (Abingdon, 2000), pp. 1-28.
Winant, H. “The theoretical status of the concept of race” in Les Back and John Solomos (eds), Theories of Race and Racism, A Reader (Abingdon, 2000), pp. 181-190.