Islam and the West - POL372
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?
| Credit Points: | 3 |
| When Offered: | S1 Day - Session 1, North Ryde, Day S1 External - Session 1, External (On-campus sessions: None) |
| Staff Contact(s): | Dr Ashley Lavelle |
| Prerequisites: |
39cp at 100 level or above or (6cp in HIST or MHIS or POL units at 200 level including 3cp in POL) |
| Corequisites: | |
| NCCW(s): | POL369 |
| Unit Designation(s): | |
| Unit Type: | |
| Assessed As: | Graded |
| Offered By: | Department of Modern History, Politics and International Relations Faculty of Arts |
Course structures, including unit offerings, are subject to change.
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