Unit Guide

General Information

Unit convenor and teaching staff	Unit convenor and teaching staff Ashley Lavelle ashley.lavelle@mq.edu.au
Credit points	Credit points 3
Prerequisites	Prerequisites 39cp or (6cp in HIST or MHIS or POL units at 200 level including 3cp in POL)
Corequisites	Corequisites
Co-badged status	Co-badged status
Unit description	Unit description It is an understatement to say that relations between Islam and the West are a major source of political debate in the early 20th century. From September 11 to the London bombings of 2007 to a CIA 'rendition' of 'terror suspects' to dark East Eurpoean torture chambers - the politics of the West's response to Islam remains one of the central issues of our time. This unit sets these debates and conflicts in the proper historical context, going back as far as the Crusades of the early part of the 2nd milennia, and taking us right through to the present. What is behind the rise of islamaphobia? Is there an irreconicilable conflict between Western 'rules' and Islam around questions such as democracy, human rights, the law and science? How does the West compare with Islam in its treatment of women? Is the Western capitalist economy and its ritualistic emphasis on individual self-enrichment incompatible with the egalitarian spirit of Islam? If 'mainstream' Western values and 'mainstream' Islamic beliefs are not that different, then why the conflicts today?

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:

A. The ability to peer below the surface feature of media depictions of Muslims’ interaction with the Western world by understanding the historical background to contemporary conflicts; (1, 2, 6, 7, 8)
B. An appreciation of the different interpretations of Islam and the Quran in relation to such questions as violence, women, and homosexuality; (1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8)
C. The ability to critically assess self-righteous and self-serving claims about what it is to be European in the 21st century, and to identify the continuities between European societies and majority-Muslim countries; (1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9)
D. Knowledge of the limited, contingent, and transient nature of many institutions and debates, including the family, women, and homosexuality (1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8)
E. Knowledge of the extent to which new media, new economic technologies, and the increasing pervasiveness of Western culture impact – if at all – on the identity and religiosity of Muslims, particularly those residing in Western countries; (1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8)
F. The capacity to determine the interplay, if any, between discourse, ideology, structures and agency in shaping the interaction between Europe and Islam.

Assessment Tasks

Name	Weighting	Due	Short Extension
Reading Critique	25%	Week 4 August 21	No
Major Essay	45%	Week 8 October 2	No
Minor Essay	30%	Week 11 October 23	No

Reading Critique

Due: Week 4 August 21
Weighting: 25%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension ³: No
AI Approach:

Students should choose one reading (book, chapter from an edited book collection, or journal article) from the list of Further Readings provided after each week’s lecture topic, or choose a suitable alternative reading. The aim is to critique and discuss the reading and the subject matter it raises. No references are required other than for the reading that is chosen. The critique should be approximately 1000 words long.

On successful completion you will be able to:

A. The ability to peer below the surface feature of media depictions of Muslims’ interaction with the Western world by understanding the historical background to contemporary conflicts; (1, 2, 6, 7, 8)
B. An appreciation of the different interpretations of Islam and the Quran in relation to such questions as violence, women, and homosexuality; (1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8)
C. The ability to critically assess self-righteous and self-serving claims about what it is to be European in the 21st century, and to identify the continuities between European societies and majority-Muslim countries; (1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9)
D. Knowledge of the limited, contingent, and transient nature of many institutions and debates, including the family, women, and homosexuality (1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8)
E. Knowledge of the extent to which new media, new economic technologies, and the increasing pervasiveness of Western culture impact – if at all – on the identity and religiosity of Muslims, particularly those residing in Western countries; (1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8)
F. The capacity to determine the interplay, if any, between discourse, ideology, structures and agency in shaping the interaction between Europe and Islam.

Major Essay

Due: Week 8 October 2
Weighting: 45%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension ³: No
AI Approach:

The essay, approximately 2500 words in length, provides students with the opportunity to explore a topic of interest in depth. Students should develop a considered answer to a specific question based on reading a range of sources wider than simply the key readings. (Students must read and refer to a minimum of 15 substantive sources. See below for notes on sources.)

A high standard essay would draw upon a wide range of resources to support a well-organized argument in response to the set question. Remember, there is no necessarily ‘correct’ answer to each question: rather, there are arguments that are more persuasively made and intelligently constructed. Consider whether the arguments you read are logical and provide convincing evidence. The same criteria should apply to your own work.

On successful completion you will be able to:

A. The ability to peer below the surface feature of media depictions of Muslims’ interaction with the Western world by understanding the historical background to contemporary conflicts; (1, 2, 6, 7, 8)
B. An appreciation of the different interpretations of Islam and the Quran in relation to such questions as violence, women, and homosexuality; (1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8)
C. The ability to critically assess self-righteous and self-serving claims about what it is to be European in the 21st century, and to identify the continuities between European societies and majority-Muslim countries; (1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9)
D. Knowledge of the limited, contingent, and transient nature of many institutions and debates, including the family, women, and homosexuality (1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8)
E. Knowledge of the extent to which new media, new economic technologies, and the increasing pervasiveness of Western culture impact – if at all – on the identity and religiosity of Muslims, particularly those residing in Western countries; (1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8)
F. The capacity to determine the interplay, if any, between discourse, ideology, structures and agency in shaping the interaction between Europe and Islam.

Minor Essay

Due: Week 11 October 23
Weighting: 30%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension ³: No
AI Approach:

This essay, approximately 1500 words in length, deals with one of the ‘important questions’ listed in the Week 1 lecture notes for the course. You should refer to a minimum of 6 sources in answering your chosen question. In writing your essay, you should follow largely the same format as that for the major essay, including for referencing.

On successful completion you will be able to:

A. The ability to peer below the surface feature of media depictions of Muslims’ interaction with the Western world by understanding the historical background to contemporary conflicts; (1, 2, 6, 7, 8)
B. An appreciation of the different interpretations of Islam and the Quran in relation to such questions as violence, women, and homosexuality; (1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8)
C. The ability to critically assess self-righteous and self-serving claims about what it is to be European in the 21st century, and to identify the continuities between European societies and majority-Muslim countries; (1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9)
D. Knowledge of the limited, contingent, and transient nature of many institutions and debates, including the family, women, and homosexuality (1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8)
E. Knowledge of the extent to which new media, new economic technologies, and the increasing pervasiveness of Western culture impact – if at all – on the identity and religiosity of Muslims, particularly those residing in Western countries; (1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8)
F. The capacity to determine the interplay, if any, between discourse, ideology, structures and agency in shaping the interaction between Europe and Islam.

Delivery and Resources

Students in Europe and Islam should PRINT OUT A COPY of the unit guide prior to the start of semester, and read it thoroughly. It contains important information about the unit. If anything in it is unclear, please consult one of the teaching staff in the unit.

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html

Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html

Grading Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html

Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html

Grievance Management Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grievance_management/policy.html

Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.

In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of 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/support/student_conduct/

Results

Results shown in iLearn, 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.

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

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/.

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use 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

A. The ability to peer below the surface feature of media depictions of Muslims’ interaction with the Western world by understanding the historical background to contemporary conflicts; (1, 2, 6, 7, 8)
B. An appreciation of the different interpretations of Islam and the Quran in relation to such questions as violence, women, and homosexuality; (1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8)
D. Knowledge of the limited, contingent, and transient nature of many institutions and debates, including the family, women, and homosexuality (1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8)
E. Knowledge of the extent to which new media, new economic technologies, and the increasing pervasiveness of Western culture impact – if at all – on the identity and religiosity of Muslims, particularly those residing in Western countries; (1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8)
F. The capacity to determine the interplay, if any, between discourse, ideology, structures and agency in shaping the interaction between Europe and Islam.

Assessment tasks

Reading Critique
Major Essay
Minor 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

B. An appreciation of the different interpretations of Islam and the Quran in relation to such questions as violence, women, and homosexuality; (1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8)
C. The ability to critically assess self-righteous and self-serving claims about what it is to be European in the 21st century, and to identify the continuities between European societies and majority-Muslim countries; (1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9)
D. Knowledge of the limited, contingent, and transient nature of many institutions and debates, including the family, women, and homosexuality (1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8)
E. Knowledge of the extent to which new media, new economic technologies, and the increasing pervasiveness of Western culture impact – if at all – on the identity and religiosity of Muslims, particularly those residing in Western countries; (1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8)
F. The capacity to determine the interplay, if any, between discourse, ideology, structures and agency in shaping the interaction between Europe and Islam.

Assessment tasks

Major Essay
Minor 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

A. The ability to peer below the surface feature of media depictions of Muslims’ interaction with the Western world by understanding the historical background to contemporary conflicts; (1, 2, 6, 7, 8)
B. An appreciation of the different interpretations of Islam and the Quran in relation to such questions as violence, women, and homosexuality; (1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8)
C. The ability to critically assess self-righteous and self-serving claims about what it is to be European in the 21st century, and to identify the continuities between European societies and majority-Muslim countries; (1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9)
D. Knowledge of the limited, contingent, and transient nature of many institutions and debates, including the family, women, and homosexuality (1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8)
E. Knowledge of the extent to which new media, new economic technologies, and the increasing pervasiveness of Western culture impact – if at all – on the identity and religiosity of Muslims, particularly those residing in Western countries; (1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8)
F. The capacity to determine the interplay, if any, between discourse, ideology, structures and agency in shaping the interaction between Europe and Islam.

Assessment tasks

Reading Critique
Major Essay

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

A. The ability to peer below the surface feature of media depictions of Muslims’ interaction with the Western world by understanding the historical background to contemporary conflicts; (1, 2, 6, 7, 8)
B. An appreciation of the different interpretations of Islam and the Quran in relation to such questions as violence, women, and homosexuality; (1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8)
C. The ability to critically assess self-righteous and self-serving claims about what it is to be European in the 21st century, and to identify the continuities between European societies and majority-Muslim countries; (1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9)
D. Knowledge of the limited, contingent, and transient nature of many institutions and debates, including the family, women, and homosexuality (1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8)
E. Knowledge of the extent to which new media, new economic technologies, and the increasing pervasiveness of Western culture impact – if at all – on the identity and religiosity of Muslims, particularly those residing in Western countries; (1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8)
F. The capacity to determine the interplay, if any, between discourse, ideology, structures and agency in shaping the interaction between Europe and Islam.

Assessment tasks

Reading Critique
Major Essay
Minor 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

A. The ability to peer below the surface feature of media depictions of Muslims’ interaction with the Western world by understanding the historical background to contemporary conflicts; (1, 2, 6, 7, 8)
B. An appreciation of the different interpretations of Islam and the Quran in relation to such questions as violence, women, and homosexuality; (1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8)
C. The ability to critically assess self-righteous and self-serving claims about what it is to be European in the 21st century, and to identify the continuities between European societies and majority-Muslim countries; (1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9)
D. Knowledge of the limited, contingent, and transient nature of many institutions and debates, including the family, women, and homosexuality (1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8)
E. Knowledge of the extent to which new media, new economic technologies, and the increasing pervasiveness of Western culture impact – if at all – on the identity and religiosity of Muslims, particularly those residing in Western countries; (1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8)
F. The capacity to determine the interplay, if any, between discourse, ideology, structures and agency in shaping the interaction between Europe and Islam.

Assessment tasks

Reading Critique
Major Essay
Minor 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

A. The ability to peer below the surface feature of media depictions of Muslims’ interaction with the Western world by understanding the historical background to contemporary conflicts; (1, 2, 6, 7, 8)
B. An appreciation of the different interpretations of Islam and the Quran in relation to such questions as violence, women, and homosexuality; (1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8)
C. The ability to critically assess self-righteous and self-serving claims about what it is to be European in the 21st century, and to identify the continuities between European societies and majority-Muslim countries; (1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9)
D. Knowledge of the limited, contingent, and transient nature of many institutions and debates, including the family, women, and homosexuality (1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8)
E. Knowledge of the extent to which new media, new economic technologies, and the increasing pervasiveness of Western culture impact – if at all – on the identity and religiosity of Muslims, particularly those residing in Western countries; (1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8)
F. The capacity to determine the interplay, if any, between discourse, ideology, structures and agency in shaping the interaction between Europe and Islam.

Assessment tasks

Reading Critique
Major Essay
Minor Essay

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

A. The ability to peer below the surface feature of media depictions of Muslims’ interaction with the Western world by understanding the historical background to contemporary conflicts; (1, 2, 6, 7, 8)
B. An appreciation of the different interpretations of Islam and the Quran in relation to such questions as violence, women, and homosexuality; (1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8)
C. The ability to critically assess self-righteous and self-serving claims about what it is to be European in the 21st century, and to identify the continuities between European societies and majority-Muslim countries; (1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9)
D. Knowledge of the limited, contingent, and transient nature of many institutions and debates, including the family, women, and homosexuality (1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8)
E. Knowledge of the extent to which new media, new economic technologies, and the increasing pervasiveness of Western culture impact – if at all – on the identity and religiosity of Muslims, particularly those residing in Western countries; (1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8)
F. The capacity to determine the interplay, if any, between discourse, ideology, structures and agency in shaping the interaction between Europe and Islam.

Assessment tasks

Reading Critique
Major Essay
Minor 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

A. The ability to peer below the surface feature of media depictions of Muslims’ interaction with the Western world by understanding the historical background to contemporary conflicts; (1, 2, 6, 7, 8)
B. An appreciation of the different interpretations of Islam and the Quran in relation to such questions as violence, women, and homosexuality; (1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8)
C. The ability to critically assess self-righteous and self-serving claims about what it is to be European in the 21st century, and to identify the continuities between European societies and majority-Muslim countries; (1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9)
D. Knowledge of the limited, contingent, and transient nature of many institutions and debates, including the family, women, and homosexuality (1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8)
E. Knowledge of the extent to which new media, new economic technologies, and the increasing pervasiveness of Western culture impact – if at all – on the identity and religiosity of Muslims, particularly those residing in Western countries; (1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8)
F. The capacity to determine the interplay, if any, between discourse, ideology, structures and agency in shaping the interaction between Europe and Islam.

Assessment tasks

Reading Critique
Major Essay
Minor 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

A. The ability to peer below the surface feature of media depictions of Muslims’ interaction with the Western world by understanding the historical background to contemporary conflicts; (1, 2, 6, 7, 8)
B. An appreciation of the different interpretations of Islam and the Quran in relation to such questions as violence, women, and homosexuality; (1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8)
C. The ability to critically assess self-righteous and self-serving claims about what it is to be European in the 21st century, and to identify the continuities between European societies and majority-Muslim countries; (1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9)
D. Knowledge of the limited, contingent, and transient nature of many institutions and debates, including the family, women, and homosexuality (1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8)
E. Knowledge of the extent to which new media, new economic technologies, and the increasing pervasiveness of Western culture impact – if at all – on the identity and religiosity of Muslims, particularly those residing in Western countries; (1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8)
F. The capacity to determine the interplay, if any, between discourse, ideology, structures and agency in shaping the interaction between Europe and Islam.

Assessment tasks

Reading Critique
Major Essay
Minor Essay