Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2018 - SA 330 D100

Global Islam (SA) (4)

Class Number: 7765

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2018: Mon, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Yildiz Atasoy
    yatasoy@sfu.ca
    Office: AQ 5082
    Office Hours: MO 17:20-18:20 (by appointment)

  • Prerequisites:

    SA 101 or SA 150 or SA 201W.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Explores the interplay between global Islamic politics and European modernity, including the neoliberal remaking of citizens, societies and states. Historical, comparative and global perspectives address the limitations of conventional approaches that situate Islam within dichotomous models of what is western and what is eastern, and modern versus non-modern. Students who have taken SA 360, Special Topics in Sociology and Anthropology in Fall 2006 (1067) or Fall 2007 (1077), may not take SA 330 for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course explores the interplay between global Islamic politics and European modernity, including the neoliberal remaking of citizens, societies and ecologies. Historical, comparative and global perspectives address the limitations of conventional approaches that situate Islam within dichotomous models of what is western and what is eastern, and modern versus non-modern.

There is a large body of literature which posits a binary divide between Islam and the West. This sort of theorizing is built on an essentialist and culturally dichotomous discursive tradition whereby the values and practices of Islam are seen to embody a backward, oppressive culture, while European cultural norms and the liberal tradition are seen to espouse values of individual freedom, autonomy and self-realization. By dislodging a Euro-American-centric account of social change, this course offers a new perspective on global Islam as melding with a continuously contested process of social and ecological change in which a variety of different social groups across the world struggle for power and make demands for inclusion, equality and justice. Through a program of focused readings and case studies, as well as literary writings, international news, and films, the course draws specific examples from the local contexts of Muslim societies, Western Europe and North America. It focuses on the following themes:

  1. European modernity, religion, secularism, and Islam;
  2. Western hegemonies of global capitalism and Islam: from the post-colonial to the neoliberal era of wealth accumulation;
  3. Islam and ecology: Disrupting commodification;
  4. Women’s veiling in Muslim and non-Muslim contexts.

Grading

  • Written summaries (2 x 15%) 30%
  • Class presentation 30%
  • Critical journal 25%
  • Presenting the international news of the week 5%
  • Participation 10%

NOTES:

Grading: Where a final exam is scheduled and you do not write the exam or withdraw from the course before the deadline date, you will be assigned an N grade. Unless otherwise specified on the course outline, all other graded assignments in this course must be completed for a final grade other than N to be assigned.

Academic Dishonesty and Misconduct Policy: The Department of Sociology and Anthropology follows SFU policy in relation to grading practices, grade appeals (Policy T 20.01) and academic dishonesty and misconduct procedures (S10.01‐S10.04). Unless otherwise informed by your instructor in writing, in graded written assignments you must cite the sources you rely on and include a bibliography/list of references, following an instructor-approved citation style.  It is the responsibility of students to inform themselves of the content of SFU policies available on the SFU website: http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student.html.    

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Atasoy, Y. (2009). Islam’s Marriage with Neoliberalism. London and New York: Palgrave.
ISBN: 978-0-230546806

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS