Students

POL 372 – Islam and the West

2019 – S1 External

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Lecturer
Govand Azeez
Contact via (02) 9850 9660
Australian Hearing Hub Level 2
By appointment
Alejandra Gaitan Barrera
Credit points Credit points
3
Prerequisites Prerequisites
39cp at 100 level or above 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 European 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 millennia, and taking us right through to the present. What is behind the rise of islamaphobia? Is there an irreconcilable 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 recognise different methodological, ideological and epistemological approaches to studying Islamic and 'Western' cultures, i.e. idealism versus materialism, cultural essentialization versus constructivist approaches to culture.
  • B. The ability examine and deconstruct ideological and discursive depictions of Muslims’ interaction with the 'Western world' by examining political and economic issues like class, colonisation and imperialism.
  • C. A systematic and historical analysis of the relationship between the 'Muslim world' and the 'West'.
  • D. The ability to critically assess self-righteous and self-serving Eurocentric and orientalist claims about what it is to be European in the 21st century, and to identify the continuities between European societies and majority-Muslim countries
  • E. A critical deconstruction and analysis of the supposed unity of cultural and 'civilisational' units like the 'Islamic world' or the West.
  • F. The capacity to determine the interplay, if any, between discourse, ideology, structures and agency in shaping the interaction between Islam and the west.

General Assessment Information

Late Submission Penalty

Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – two (2) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted 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 submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g. quizzes, online tests.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Tutorial Participation 15% No ongoing
Mid Semester Exam (Open Book) 40% Yes Week 7 (variable)
Final Essay 45% No Ongoing

Tutorial Participation

Due: ongoing
Weighting: 15%

External students will have the opportunity to share their thoughts on each week's topic through posting comments on a forum on ilearn. A specific question will be posted to start the discussion each week. The emphasis of the task will be upon discussion (advancing and defending arguments), exploration of current issues and themes. In your posts you are required to provide connection between the broad principles and theories covered in the lectures and your weekly readings.  The post has to be within the time frame given (Monday 1.00 pm to the Next Sunday at 12.00 pm). 

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • A. The ability to recognise different methodological, ideological and epistemological approaches to studying Islamic and 'Western' cultures, i.e. idealism versus materialism, cultural essentialization versus constructivist approaches to culture.
  • B. The ability examine and deconstruct ideological and discursive depictions of Muslims’ interaction with the 'Western world' by examining political and economic issues like class, colonisation and imperialism.
  • C. A systematic and historical analysis of the relationship between the 'Muslim world' and the 'West'.
  • D. The ability to critically assess self-righteous and self-serving Eurocentric and orientalist claims about what it is to be European in the 21st century, and to identify the continuities between European societies and majority-Muslim countries
  • E. A critical deconstruction and analysis of the supposed unity of cultural and 'civilisational' units like the 'Islamic world' or the West.
  • F. The capacity to determine the interplay, if any, between discourse, ideology, structures and agency in shaping the interaction between Islam and the west.

Mid Semester Exam (Open Book)

Due: Week 7 (variable)
Weighting: 40%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)

A one-hour in-class test will be held in week 7 on the material covered in the first 6 weeks of the course.

External students will login to ilearn during the allocated time to complete the one hour exam. Time will be given during the lecture. 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • A. The ability to recognise different methodological, ideological and epistemological approaches to studying Islamic and 'Western' cultures, i.e. idealism versus materialism, cultural essentialization versus constructivist approaches to culture.
  • B. The ability examine and deconstruct ideological and discursive depictions of Muslims’ interaction with the 'Western world' by examining political and economic issues like class, colonisation and imperialism.
  • C. A systematic and historical analysis of the relationship between the 'Muslim world' and the 'West'.
  • D. The ability to critically assess self-righteous and self-serving Eurocentric and orientalist claims about what it is to be European in the 21st century, and to identify the continuities between European societies and majority-Muslim countries
  • F. The capacity to determine the interplay, if any, between discourse, ideology, structures and agency in shaping the interaction between Islam and the west.

Final Essay

Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 45%

The major essay is due Friday 31st May. The essay length is 2500 words (10% above and below allowed- nothing more) [including footnotes and bibliography]

-Essay questions will be given to students during Week 3 lecture

Submission of Essays

All essays are to be submitted through turn-it-in on the ilearn website. Please remember to have your name, tutorial time, page number on each journal submission.

There will be strictly NO extensions on submission deadlines for essays other than on certified medical grounds. Late submissions of essays will be penalised at the rate of 2 marks a day. For example, if you submit your essay 3 days late, and if the paper would have normally been awarded a 75 (out of 100), then 6 marks will be deducted, resulting in 69 as the final grade for the paper.

All work submitted for this course will be graded according to the guidelines issued by the Department of Modern History, Politics and International Relations which are attached at the end of this course guide. Also, rubrics will be made available for the journals and essays.

There will be no written examination at the end of the semester. 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • A. The ability to recognise different methodological, ideological and epistemological approaches to studying Islamic and 'Western' cultures, i.e. idealism versus materialism, cultural essentialization versus constructivist approaches to culture.
  • B. The ability examine and deconstruct ideological and discursive depictions of Muslims’ interaction with the 'Western world' by examining political and economic issues like class, colonisation and imperialism.
  • C. A systematic and historical analysis of the relationship between the 'Muslim world' and the 'West'.
  • E. A critical deconstruction and analysis of the supposed unity of cultural and 'civilisational' units like the 'Islamic world' or the West.
  • F. The capacity to determine the interplay, if any, between discourse, ideology, structures and agency in shaping the interaction between Islam and the west.

Delivery and Resources

DELIVERY

For lecture times and classrooms please consult the MQ Timetable website: http://www.timetables.mq.edu.au. This website will display up-to-date information on your classes and classroom locations.

Internal students are expected to attend the following classes each week:

Lecture: Monday 1.00 pm -3.00pm  17 Wallys Walk Collaborative Forum

Tutorial 1: Monday 3.00pm - 4.00pm 11 Wallys Walk-130 Tutorial Rm

Tutorial 2: Monday 4.00pm - 5.00pm 11 Wallys Walk-180 Tutorial Rm

NOTE: Tutorials will begin in Week 1

Externals: Students will follow instructions online. 

RESOURCES

All readings will be available electronically (via the library or via links from the unit's ilearn page).

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:

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

Unless a Disruption to Studies request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – two (2) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted seven (7) days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g. quizzes, online tests.

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

  • A. The ability to recognise different methodological, ideological and epistemological approaches to studying Islamic and 'Western' cultures, i.e. idealism versus materialism, cultural essentialization versus constructivist approaches to culture.
  • C. A systematic and historical analysis of the relationship between the 'Muslim world' and the 'West'.
  • F. The capacity to determine the interplay, if any, between discourse, ideology, structures and agency in shaping the interaction between Islam and the west.

Assessment tasks

  • Tutorial Participation
  • Mid Semester Exam (Open Book)
  • Final 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

  • A. The ability to recognise different methodological, ideological and epistemological approaches to studying Islamic and 'Western' cultures, i.e. idealism versus materialism, cultural essentialization versus constructivist approaches to culture.
  • B. The ability examine and deconstruct ideological and discursive depictions of Muslims’ interaction with the 'Western world' by examining political and economic issues like class, colonisation and imperialism.
  • C. A systematic and historical analysis of the relationship between the 'Muslim world' and the 'West'.
  • D. The ability to critically assess self-righteous and self-serving Eurocentric and orientalist claims about what it is to be European in the 21st century, and to identify the continuities between European societies and majority-Muslim countries
  • E. A critical deconstruction and analysis of the supposed unity of cultural and 'civilisational' units like the 'Islamic world' or the West.
  • F. The capacity to determine the interplay, if any, between discourse, ideology, structures and agency in shaping the interaction between Islam and the west.

Assessment tasks

  • Tutorial Participation
  • Mid Semester Exam (Open Book)
  • Final 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 recognise different methodological, ideological and epistemological approaches to studying Islamic and 'Western' cultures, i.e. idealism versus materialism, cultural essentialization versus constructivist approaches to culture.
  • B. The ability examine and deconstruct ideological and discursive depictions of Muslims’ interaction with the 'Western world' by examining political and economic issues like class, colonisation and imperialism.
  • C. A systematic and historical analysis of the relationship between the 'Muslim world' and the 'West'.
  • D. The ability to critically assess self-righteous and self-serving Eurocentric and orientalist claims about what it is to be European in the 21st century, and to identify the continuities between European societies and majority-Muslim countries
  • E. A critical deconstruction and analysis of the supposed unity of cultural and 'civilisational' units like the 'Islamic world' or the West.
  • F. The capacity to determine the interplay, if any, between discourse, ideology, structures and agency in shaping the interaction between Islam and the west.

Assessment tasks

  • Tutorial Participation
  • Mid Semester Exam (Open Book)
  • Final 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 recognise different methodological, ideological and epistemological approaches to studying Islamic and 'Western' cultures, i.e. idealism versus materialism, cultural essentialization versus constructivist approaches to culture.
  • B. The ability examine and deconstruct ideological and discursive depictions of Muslims’ interaction with the 'Western world' by examining political and economic issues like class, colonisation and imperialism.
  • C. A systematic and historical analysis of the relationship between the 'Muslim world' and the 'West'.
  • D. The ability to critically assess self-righteous and self-serving Eurocentric and orientalist claims about what it is to be European in the 21st century, and to identify the continuities between European societies and majority-Muslim countries
  • E. A critical deconstruction and analysis of the supposed unity of cultural and 'civilisational' units like the 'Islamic world' or the West.
  • F. The capacity to determine the interplay, if any, between discourse, ideology, structures and agency in shaping the interaction between Islam and the west.

Assessment tasks

  • Tutorial Participation
  • Mid Semester Exam (Open Book)
  • Final 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 recognise different methodological, ideological and epistemological approaches to studying Islamic and 'Western' cultures, i.e. idealism versus materialism, cultural essentialization versus constructivist approaches to culture.
  • B. The ability examine and deconstruct ideological and discursive depictions of Muslims’ interaction with the 'Western world' by examining political and economic issues like class, colonisation and imperialism.
  • C. A systematic and historical analysis of the relationship between the 'Muslim world' and the 'West'.
  • D. The ability to critically assess self-righteous and self-serving Eurocentric and orientalist claims about what it is to be European in the 21st century, and to identify the continuities between European societies and majority-Muslim countries
  • E. A critical deconstruction and analysis of the supposed unity of cultural and 'civilisational' units like the 'Islamic world' or the West.
  • F. The capacity to determine the interplay, if any, between discourse, ideology, structures and agency in shaping the interaction between Islam and the west.

Assessment tasks

  • Tutorial Participation
  • Mid Semester Exam (Open Book)
  • Final 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 recognise different methodological, ideological and epistemological approaches to studying Islamic and 'Western' cultures, i.e. idealism versus materialism, cultural essentialization versus constructivist approaches to culture.
  • B. The ability examine and deconstruct ideological and discursive depictions of Muslims’ interaction with the 'Western world' by examining political and economic issues like class, colonisation and imperialism.
  • C. A systematic and historical analysis of the relationship between the 'Muslim world' and the 'West'.
  • D. The ability to critically assess self-righteous and self-serving Eurocentric and orientalist claims about what it is to be European in the 21st century, and to identify the continuities between European societies and majority-Muslim countries
  • E. A critical deconstruction and analysis of the supposed unity of cultural and 'civilisational' units like the 'Islamic world' or the West.
  • F. The capacity to determine the interplay, if any, between discourse, ideology, structures and agency in shaping the interaction between Islam and the west.

Assessment tasks

  • Tutorial Participation
  • Final 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 recognise different methodological, ideological and epistemological approaches to studying Islamic and 'Western' cultures, i.e. idealism versus materialism, cultural essentialization versus constructivist approaches to culture.
  • B. The ability examine and deconstruct ideological and discursive depictions of Muslims’ interaction with the 'Western world' by examining political and economic issues like class, colonisation and imperialism.
  • D. The ability to critically assess self-righteous and self-serving Eurocentric and orientalist claims about what it is to be European in the 21st century, and to identify the continuities between European societies and majority-Muslim countries
  • E. A critical deconstruction and analysis of the supposed unity of cultural and 'civilisational' units like the 'Islamic world' or the West.

Assessment tasks

  • Mid Semester Exam (Open Book)
  • Final 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

  • B. The ability examine and deconstruct ideological and discursive depictions of Muslims’ interaction with the 'Western world' by examining political and economic issues like class, colonisation and imperialism.
  • C. A systematic and historical analysis of the relationship between the 'Muslim world' and the 'West'.
  • D. The ability to critically assess self-righteous and self-serving Eurocentric and orientalist claims about what it is to be European in the 21st century, and to identify the continuities between European societies and majority-Muslim countries
  • E. A critical deconstruction and analysis of the supposed unity of cultural and 'civilisational' units like the 'Islamic world' or the West.
  • F. The capacity to determine the interplay, if any, between discourse, ideology, structures and agency in shaping the interaction between Islam and the west.

Assessment tasks

  • Tutorial Participation
  • Mid Semester Exam (Open Book)

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 recognise different methodological, ideological and epistemological approaches to studying Islamic and 'Western' cultures, i.e. idealism versus materialism, cultural essentialization versus constructivist approaches to culture.
  • B. The ability examine and deconstruct ideological and discursive depictions of Muslims’ interaction with the 'Western world' by examining political and economic issues like class, colonisation and imperialism.
  • C. A systematic and historical analysis of the relationship between the 'Muslim world' and the 'West'.
  • D. The ability to critically assess self-righteous and self-serving Eurocentric and orientalist claims about what it is to be European in the 21st century, and to identify the continuities between European societies and majority-Muslim countries
  • E. A critical deconstruction and analysis of the supposed unity of cultural and 'civilisational' units like the 'Islamic world' or the West.
  • F. The capacity to determine the interplay, if any, between discourse, ideology, structures and agency in shaping the interaction between Islam and the west.

Assessment tasks

  • Tutorial Participation
  • Mid Semester Exam (Open Book)
  • Final Essay

Changes from Previous Offering

The course convenor has changed. The subject will be convened by Dr. Govand Khalid Azeez. 

The structure of the course, the themes and the topics of the course, and the resources utilised will be different from previous offering.