Islam & Democracy:Cooperation & Conflict (ISLM30020)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5Not available in 2022
From 2023 most subjects will be taught on campus only with flexible options limited to a select number of postgraduate programs and individual subjects.
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About this subject
Overview
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|---|
This subject examines the relationship between (a) Islamic religious, political and legal thought and practice, and (b) democratic thought and practice in Muslim societies. It is suitable for those with an interest in studies of Islam and politics. It requires no background in the study of Islam or law.
How do interpretations of Islam or Islamic law intersect with, or diverge from, democratic ideas about legitimate debate, dissent or opposition in both the public and the private sphere? How are notions of political and legal authority understood and debated in ‘Islamic’ and ‘democratic’ contexts? Addressing key issues in contemporary international and domestic politics, the subject begins with comparative political theory and ends with case studies drawn from Muslim-majority states in the Middle East, North Africa, and South and Southeast Asia.
Intended learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
- Develop and illustrate a critical understanding of debates regarding the politics of religion and inter/intra-religious difference, including efforts to carry out research to support, qualify, or reject relevant hypotheses;
- Acquire and synthesise knowledge of specific debates regarding the politics of religious/doctrinal difference emerging at different points in Muslim history and different parts of the Muslim world;
- Understand and summarise debates surrounding democratic notions of political participation, opposition, rights, law, and legislation;
- Develop and employ a capacity to contextualize and discuss social, political, and legal responses to debates in the Muslim world.
Generic skills
Students who successfully complete this subject will be able to:
- Understand and explain debates regarding the politics of religion, religious difference and religious disagreement
- Compare, contrast and identify political and legal debates in multiple cultural contexts
- Have enhanced critical writing skills in relation to theoretical and empirical accounts of religion, law, and politics
- Carry out research supporting, qualifying, or rejecting hypotheses relevant to the study of politics, law, and religion
Last updated: 14 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 14 March 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Literature Review
| Week 5 | 35% |
In-class (individual) presentation, responding to the theme or challenge of the week
| Throughout the semester | 15% |
Reflective Essay
| During the examination period | 50% |
Last updated: 14 March 2025
Dates & times
Not available in 2022
Last updated: 14 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Breadth options
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 14 March 2025