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Contemporary Middle East and South Asia (ISLM90007)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
Overview
| Availability | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
How should we understand current affairs in the Middle East and South Asia, with particular reference to the intersection of religion (Islam) and politics? This subject surveys a number of movements, organisations, parties, and political issues in the Middle East and South Asia, drawing on case studies to explore key issues in the contemporary politics of both regions. Particular attention is paid to the relationship between Islam and violence, state formation, democracy, alliance-building, and human rights.
With reference to the Middle East, the subject focuses on Muslim-majority states; in South Asia, it also considers Muslim-minority states. Beyond Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and India, the course concludes with a consideration of Australian responses to states and populations with 'Islamic' or 'Islamist' orientations. What links Australia to Muslims in the modern Middle East, South Asia, and indeed the wider world?
Intended learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this subject should:
- Formulate a critical understanding of the relationship between religion and politics, with a particular focus on the relationship between Islam and politics in the Middle East and South Asia
- Articulate an assessment of the religious and non-religious forces that shape the relationship between Islam and politics in both Muslim-majority and Muslim-minority contexts
- Improve their ability to critically engage with current academic and non-academic literature regarding Islam and politics
- Demonstrate a nuanced understanding of Muslim political activism as well as the historical contexts within which it emerged.
Generic skills
Students who successfully complete this subject should:
- Develop a deeper understanding of the dynamics of the political systems in the Middle East and Central Asia
- Gain a solid appreciation of the role of great powers in the region
- Improve oral skills by participating in seminars
- Have an enhanced understanding of the concept of academic freedom in the region
- Develop improved and diverse writing skills through the completion of assessment tasks.
Last updated: 8 November 2024