Students
ANTH205 – Islam
2019 – S1 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor
Gabriele Marranci
Contact via gabriele.marranci@mq.edu.au
+61-2-9850-8040
TBA on iLearn
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| Credit points |
Credit points
3
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
ANTH150 or (12cp at 100 level or above) or admission to GDipArts
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
Islam is a major world religion, and the anthropology of Islam an exciting enterprise that studies the lived experience of Islam and Muslims in a variety of contexts and different places. One unifying theme of the unit is its focus on the production of knowledge about Islam in the present, asking questions about who speaks for and in the name of Islam. This includes a stress on the representation and control of Islam, not just in the West but also in Muslim majority societies as well. Students are able to research a number of vital topics, including: media coverage of Islam; the fascinating debates around the category and form of the Islamic City; the production of Islam in the Museums of Islamic Art (from Istanbul to New York); Muslim cinema; Gender and Islam; the nationalisation of Islam by secular States such as Turkey; and Islam and Music.
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Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- Discover and appreciate the variety of Muslim societies and communities in different countries including Australia.
- Understand the position of Muslims in contemporary societies as well as the variegate cultural differences among Muslims.
- Explore the role of social settings and norms in shaping Muslim communities through comparative research.
- Actively participate in discussion and debate about a range of topics in the anthropology of Islam, some of which have everyday connections and relevance.
- Obtain greater understanding of diverse methodologies and anthropological techniques such as ethnography, field-based techniques, and comparative approaches to Muslim societies.
- Investigate in greater depth one area of special interest in the study of anthropology of Islam through personal research.
- Improve presentation and oral expression skills through tutorial discussions of critical issues in the anthropology of Islam
- Improve writing and critical reading skills through online questions and answers.
General Assessment Information
Important Note: It is a requirement that all students keep a copy of their written work. In the event of work being lost, or if you have uploaded it but it is not in our records, you must be able to present a second copy. If you do not do so, no consideration can be given and all marks will be forfeited for that piece of work.
Important Note: "Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will be applied - two (2) marks out of 100 will be deduced per day for assignments after the due date and (b) no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submission will be accepted for timed assessments-- eg. quizzes, online tests."
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tutorial group answer | 10% | No | Starting tutorial 2 |
| Tutorial | 20% | No | Starting from Tutorial n2 |
| Online Quiz | 30% | No | Week 13 |
| Essay | 40% | No | Week 12 (Friday) |
Tutorial group answer
Due: Starting tutorial 2
Weighting: 10%
Students are required to attend each tutorial.
Before the end of each tutorial, all students are required to complete a short questionnaire in which they will answer a few questions concerning their tutorial group work. Forms will be provided at the start of each tutorial, to be returned at the completion of the tutorial. The students will receive a mark from 0 (if the form is incomplete or if it is incoherent or extremely minimal) to 1.
Note: No form will be provided for week 1, 9, 12 (so overall you will receive 10 forms ).
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Improve presentation and oral expression skills through tutorial discussions of critical issues in the anthropology of Islam
Tutorial
Due: Starting from Tutorial n2
Weighting: 20%
Starting from Tutorial n 2
Before the tutorial, students are required to answer a weekly question. The question will be made available on the iLearn, under Assessment Questions, six days in advance.
Each student will have a blog in which they can post the answer to the weekly question. The answer should be around 250-300 words.
Students will receive a mark from 0-2 according to the standards described in the rubric. You can find the "Weekly Question Rubric" posted in the iLearn Assessment section.
Note: there will be no weekly questions for week 1, 9, 12 (so overall you will answer 10 questions).
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Discover and appreciate the variety of Muslim societies and communities in different countries including Australia.
- Understand the position of Muslims in contemporary societies as well as the variegate cultural differences among Muslims.
- Explore the role of social settings and norms in shaping Muslim communities through comparative research.
- Actively participate in discussion and debate about a range of topics in the anthropology of Islam, some of which have everyday connections and relevance.
- Obtain greater understanding of diverse methodologies and anthropological techniques such as ethnography, field-based techniques, and comparative approaches to Muslim societies.
- Investigate in greater depth one area of special interest in the study of anthropology of Islam through personal research.
- Improve presentation and oral expression skills through tutorial discussions of critical issues in the anthropology of Islam
Online Quiz
Due: Week 13
Weighting: 30%
The online quiz consists of 30 multiple choice and true/false questions that focus on the material of the course.
Students will have a 48-hour window in which to complete the work. The quiz will be timed (50 minutes). The quiz will not be repeated for any reason other than an approved Special Consideration. More information will be available on iLearn.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Understand the position of Muslims in contemporary societies as well as the variegate cultural differences among Muslims.
- Explore the role of social settings and norms in shaping Muslim communities through comparative research.
Essay
Due: Week 12 (Friday)
Weighting: 40%
Students will write one essay for the course, choosing their topic from one of the week’s topics (other than week 1, 9, 12 and 13). Essay questions will be self-selected, but the topic should be approved by Dr Marranci no later than week 10. Your essay will not be marked if your essay topic has not been approved. This essay should be no less than 2000 words (10% +/-). A Rubric for the essay and more information (included a guide and suggestions on how to write an essay in anthropology) can be found in iLearn in the Assessment section.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Understand the position of Muslims in contemporary societies as well as the variegate cultural differences among Muslims.
- Actively participate in discussion and debate about a range of topics in the anthropology of Islam, some of which have everyday connections and relevance.
- Obtain greater understanding of diverse methodologies and anthropological techniques such as ethnography, field-based techniques, and comparative approaches to Muslim societies.
- Investigate in greater depth one area of special interest in the study of anthropology of Islam through personal research.
- Improve writing and critical reading skills through online questions and answers.
Delivery and Resources
Please check iLearn for readings and other course material.
Unit Schedule
Note:
This course has a textbook:
Author: Gabriele Marranci
Title: The Anthropology of Islam
Publisher: Bloomsbury Academic
Year 2008
ISBN 1845202856 (paperback).
It is highly suggested that students buy the book. You can find the book at our university book shop (there is also a Kindle version. Normally, second-hand copies can be easily sourced).
The book is available at our MQ library both in hardcopy as well as eBook.
Week 1 Introduction
The lecture will provide a general overview of the course followed by an introduction to studying Muslims and Islam from an anthropological perspective.
Readings
The Anthropology of Islam: Chapter 1
Week 2 Islam: Beliefs, History and Rituals
This lecture provides a short overview of the basic elements of Islam, including its history and rituals and the main differences between Shi'a and Sunni Muslims.
Readings
Chapter 2 of the Anthropology of Islam
Hughes, A. W. (2014). Theorizing Islam: Disciplinary Deconstruction and Reconstruction. Routledge.- Chapter 2
Week 3 From Studying Islam to Studying Muslims
The lecture will focus on the differences between the study of Islam as a religion and the study of Islam from an anthropological perspective. In particular, we will discuss the different approaches to the study of Muslims and their faith that have been developed in the last 40 years and the challenges faced by anthropologists of Islam.
Readings
Chapter 3 - The anthropology of Islam
Varisco, D. M. (2005). Islam obscured: The rhetoric of anthropological representation. New York: Palgrave Macmillan. Ch 1, pp 1-20.
Week 4 Studying Muslims in the West: before and after September 11
The lecture will focus on Muslims in the West, the impact of migration and the challenges an anthropologist may encounter in studying Islam and Muslims in the West, including Australia.
Readings
Chapter 4 - The Anthropology of Islam
Stephenson, P. (2011). Indigenous Australia's Pilgrimage to Islam. Journal of Intercultural Studies, 32(3), 261-277.
Week 5 From the Exotic to the Familiar: Anamneses of Fieldwork among Muslims
This lecture will focus on how anthropology studies Muslim communities and looks at different experiences of fieldwork, including the challenges that anthropologists may face.
Readings
Chapter 5 - The Anthropology of Islam
D'Alisera, J. (1999). Field of Dreams: The Anthropologist Far Away at Home. Anthropology and Humanism, 24(1), 5-19.
Week 6 Beyond the Stereotype: Challenges in Understanding Muslim Identities
This lecture discusses the relevance of understanding Muslim identities by avoiding stereotypes. It will focus on anthropological theories of identity and also how we can avoid the mistake of considering Islam to be monolithic.
Readings
Chapter 6 - The Anthropology of Islam
Peek, L. (2005). Becoming Muslim: The development of religious identity. Sociology of Religion, 66(3), 215-242.
Week 7 The Ummah Paradox
This lecture explores the meaning of ummah (the Muslim community as a religious unity) and the problematic aspects related to its study, including the actual complexity of the concept itself.
Readings
Chapter 7 - The Anthropology of Islam
Van Nieuwenhuijze, C. A. O. (1959). The Ummah: An Analytic Approach. Studia Islamica, (10), 5-22.
Week 8 Dynamics of Gender in Islam
This lecture explores the complexity of gender and sexuality within the Muslim community and in particular the scholarly debate within the anthropological study of Muslims.
Readings Chapter 8 - The Anthropology of Islam
Week 9 Guest Lecture
Guest Lecture by Dr G. Scott on Muslim women in the workplace
Readings TBA
Week 10 Discussing Islamic fundamentalism
This lecture will discuss the debate about Islamic fundamentalism and how we can understand the phenomenon from an anthropological perspective. In particular, the lecture debates whether the concept of fundamentalism as an analytical term is useful or not.
Readings
Marranci, G. (2009). 'Fundamentalism Debated' in G. Marranci Understanding Muslim identity: rethinking fundamentalism, New York, London, Palgrave, pp. 26-50.
Emerson, M. O., & Hartman, D. (2006). The rise of religious fundamentalism. Annual Review of Sociology, 127-144.
Week 11 Youth, Identity and radicalisation: an Anthropological Study and Interpretation
This lecture discusses why some young people may radicalise as far as religious identities are concerned. It is based on my research and aims to help students to see how anthropology may approach the discussion and the methodology of studying radicalisation in a different way.
Readings
G. Marranci Wars of Terror, London and New York, Bloomsbury - Chapter 6
Week 12 (No Lecture or tutorial )
Students are invited to attend the Anthropology Research week Lecture: more information will be provided on iLearn.
Week 13 Conclusions
In this lecture, we will summarise the main points we have covered during the course and try to see from an anthropological viewpoint where this journey in the study of Muslims has brought us.
Readings
Chapter 9 - The Anthropology of Islam
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy (Note: The Special Consideration Policy is effective from 4 December 2017 and replaces the Disruption to Studies Policy.)
Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central).
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/getting-started/student-conduct
Results
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Graduate Capabilities
Creative and Innovative
Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Understand the position of Muslims in contemporary societies as well as the variegate cultural differences among Muslims.
- Explore the role of social settings and norms in shaping Muslim communities through comparative research.
- Actively participate in discussion and debate about a range of topics in the anthropology of Islam, some of which have everyday connections and relevance.
- Investigate in greater depth one area of special interest in the study of anthropology of Islam through personal research.
- Improve presentation and oral expression skills through tutorial discussions of critical issues in the anthropology of Islam
- Improve writing and critical reading skills through online questions and answers.
Assessment tasks
- Tutorial
- Essay
Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative
We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Understand the position of Muslims in contemporary societies as well as the variegate cultural differences among Muslims.
- Explore the role of social settings and norms in shaping Muslim communities through comparative research.
- Actively participate in discussion and debate about a range of topics in the anthropology of Islam, some of which have everyday connections and relevance.
- Investigate in greater depth one area of special interest in the study of anthropology of Islam through personal research.
- Improve presentation and oral expression skills through tutorial discussions of critical issues in the anthropology of Islam
- Improve writing and critical reading skills through online questions and answers.
Assessment tasks
- Tutorial group answer
- Tutorial
- Online Quiz
- Essay
Commitment to Continuous Learning
Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Discover and appreciate the variety of Muslim societies and communities in different countries including Australia.
- Explore the role of social settings and norms in shaping Muslim communities through comparative research.
- Obtain greater understanding of diverse methodologies and anthropological techniques such as ethnography, field-based techniques, and comparative approaches to Muslim societies.
- Improve presentation and oral expression skills through tutorial discussions of critical issues in the anthropology of Islam
- Improve writing and critical reading skills through online questions and answers.
Assessment tasks
- Tutorial
- Online Quiz
Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills
Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Discover and appreciate the variety of Muslim societies and communities in different countries including Australia.
- Understand the position of Muslims in contemporary societies as well as the variegate cultural differences among Muslims.
- Explore the role of social settings and norms in shaping Muslim communities through comparative research.
- Actively participate in discussion and debate about a range of topics in the anthropology of Islam, some of which have everyday connections and relevance.
- Obtain greater understanding of diverse methodologies and anthropological techniques such as ethnography, field-based techniques, and comparative approaches to Muslim societies.
- Improve presentation and oral expression skills through tutorial discussions of critical issues in the anthropology of Islam
- Improve writing and critical reading skills through online questions and answers.
Assessment tasks
- Tutorial group answer
- Tutorial
- Online Quiz
- Essay
Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Discover and appreciate the variety of Muslim societies and communities in different countries including Australia.
- Understand the position of Muslims in contemporary societies as well as the variegate cultural differences among Muslims.
- Explore the role of social settings and norms in shaping Muslim communities through comparative research.
- Actively participate in discussion and debate about a range of topics in the anthropology of Islam, some of which have everyday connections and relevance.
- Investigate in greater depth one area of special interest in the study of anthropology of Islam through personal research.
Assessment tasks
- Tutorial
- Essay
Problem Solving and Research Capability
Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Discover and appreciate the variety of Muslim societies and communities in different countries including Australia.
- Understand the position of Muslims in contemporary societies as well as the variegate cultural differences among Muslims.
- Explore the role of social settings and norms in shaping Muslim communities through comparative research.
- Obtain greater understanding of diverse methodologies and anthropological techniques such as ethnography, field-based techniques, and comparative approaches to Muslim societies.
- Improve presentation and oral expression skills through tutorial discussions of critical issues in the anthropology of Islam
- Improve writing and critical reading skills through online questions and answers.
Assessment task
- Online Quiz
Effective Communication
We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Understand the position of Muslims in contemporary societies as well as the variegate cultural differences among Muslims.
- Actively participate in discussion and debate about a range of topics in the anthropology of Islam, some of which have everyday connections and relevance.
- Improve presentation and oral expression skills through tutorial discussions of critical issues in the anthropology of Islam
- Improve writing and critical reading skills through online questions and answers.
Assessment tasks
- Tutorial
- Essay
Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens
As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Discover and appreciate the variety of Muslim societies and communities in different countries including Australia.
- Understand the position of Muslims in contemporary societies as well as the variegate cultural differences among Muslims.
- Explore the role of social settings and norms in shaping Muslim communities through comparative research.
- Actively participate in discussion and debate about a range of topics in the anthropology of Islam, some of which have everyday connections and relevance.
- Investigate in greater depth one area of special interest in the study of anthropology of Islam through personal research.
Assessment tasks
- Tutorial group answer
- Tutorial
- Essay
Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible
We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Actively participate in discussion and debate about a range of topics in the anthropology of Islam, some of which have everyday connections and relevance.
- Investigate in greater depth one area of special interest in the study of anthropology of Islam through personal research.
Assessment task
- Tutorial group answer
Changes since First Published
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| 20/02/2019 | Changed the Quizz to Quiz in the assessment box |