Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2017 - SA 360 E100

Special Topics in Sociology and Anthropology (SA) (4)

Global Islam

Class Number: 4857

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Wed, 5:30–9:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Prerequisites:

    SA 101 or 150 or 201W.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A seminar exploring a topic not regularly offered by the department.

COURSE DETAILS:

ST - Global Islam

This course provides an opportunity for students to critically engage with globally important themes such as Islamophobia, Islamic religious extremism, women’s veiling, and anti-modern and undemocratic ‘barbaric cultural practices’– which are frequently mobilized in mass media and academic discussions. These themes typically provide a simplistic and misleading understanding of the complexities of Islamic politics in relation to the transformations that are taking place within and between states, and in the global system. 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 change in which a variety of different social groups across the world struggle for power and make demands for social inclusion and justice. Through a program of focussed 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 and religion 
  2. Global expansion of liberal democratic principles; 
  3. Neoliberal rationality and the remaking of citizens, societies and states; 
  4. Historical specificities of lived experience, everyday practices, cultural values, religious claims, and moral injunctions.

Grading

  • Written summaries (two sets) 30%
  • Class presentation 30%
  • Critical journals 25%
  • Presenting the international news of the week 5%
  • Participation (details will be discussed in class) 10%

REQUIREMENTS:

Students will receive an N (incomplete) grade if they do not complete any one of the following assignments: Two sets of written summaries; class presentations; and critical journals. An N is considered an F for purposes of scholastic standing.  

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, Yıldız (2009) Islam’s Marriage with Neoliberalism, London and New York: Palgrave.

Custom Courseware Package (to be purchased from SFU Bookstore).

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