Overview

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Interdisciplinary study of a selected theme that has made a lasting contribution to the humanistic tradition in more than one field of endeavour (e.g., philosophy, politics, literature, economics, religion). May be repeated once for credit when a different topic is taught. Students who have credit for a course with this content under another Humanities course may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

1. An exploration of the rich history of interactions between Muslims and the West as seen through the medieval Spanish and Byzantine epics, the testimonies of individuals and communities which experienced the early clashes between Muslims and Europeans as well as of Christians and Muslims that lived side by side in the Levant and the Iberian peninsula. From there, we shall examine the Arab and Ottoman forays into Europe and the shared histories of Christians, Muslims, and Jews, tracing pivotal moments of conflict, cooperation, and coexistence to the present.
2. An exploration of Western cultural portrayals of Islam and Muslims, uncovering how art, literature, and media have shaped perceptions over time.
3. A critical look at today’s pressing issues, such as the veil debates, Islamophobia, or the ongoing impact of the War on Terror.

Each section explores how Islam and the concept of the "Muslim Other" have shaped and are still shaping the cultural and political identity of the West and invites you to engage with these complex themes and understand their profound influence on the world we live in today. Join us as we unravel the deep cultural, political, and artistic legacies of Muslim-Western interactions—past and present!

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

This course aims to empower students by fostering a holistic understanding of the relationship between Islam and the "West." By the end of this course, the students will: 

• Grasp the social and cultural constructs of Islam and the "West," enabling them to analyze these constructs from different perspectives, considering historical, social, and cultural contexts.
• Engage in critical discussions about the relationship between Islam and the "West." This includes debates on historical interactions, cultural exchanges, conflicts, and coexistence.
• Acquire an extensive knowledge of various authors, texts, and cultural products that explore the relationship between Islam and the "West." This familiarity will allow students to understand the various societal manifestations of these concepts.
• Gain proficiency in using academic sources efficiently. Students will learn to craft persuasive, logical, and well-structured arguments that contribute to the development of a thesis or the structuring of a paper. This will enhance their academic writing skills and enable them to present compelling arguments with clarity and conviction.

Grading

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

REQUIRED READING NOTES: