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MEAS8115 Islam in World Politics

Offered By Centre for Arab & Islamic Studies
Academic Career Graduate Coursework
Course Subject Middle Eastern & Central Asian Studies
Offered in Second Semester, 2009 and First Semester, 2010
Unit Value 6 units
Course Description  

This course covers the international politics of the Muslim world, with a special emphasis on the Middle East since 1945. Classical and modern Islamic thought on war and peace serves as the backdrop to a consideration of a number of themes. These include the compatibility of Islam and nationalism, the significance of Islamic transnationalism, the role of the pan-Islamic ideal, the impact of radical networks, and the effects of globalisation. Attempts are made to relate modern historical trends to larger concerns and theories of international relations.

Learning Outcomes To introduce students to classical Islamic ideas and values on international relations; to acquaint them with the history of the interaction between the great powers and Muslim states; to assess the extent to which religion, specifically Islam, is a factor in conflict and international institutionalisation; to consider the impact of globalisation on Muslim states.
Indicative Assessment

1 x 4,000 - 5,000 word esay  = 50%

1 x in-class oral presentation  = 10%

1 x 3 hr examination in exam period at end of semester  = 40%

Workload

One two hour seminar for 11 weeks.

Regular attendance is compulsory.

Course Classification(s) AdvancedAdvanced courses are designed for students having reached 'first degree' level of assumed knowledge, which provide a deep understanding of contemporary issues; or 'second degree' and higher levels of knowledge; or for transition to research training programs.
Areas of Interest International Relations and Political Sciences
Recommended Courses n/a
Preliminary Reading  

Fred Halliday, Islam and the Myth of Confrontation: Religion and Politics in the Middle East.  London, I.B. Tauris, rev. edition, 2003.

Amin Saikal, Islam and the West: Conflict or Cooperation.  London: Palgrave Macmillan, 2003. 

Sources

Students are strongly encouraged to keep up to date with relevant journals on the Middle East and Islamic affairs, including The Middle East Journal, the International Journal of Middle East Studies, Middle Eastern Studies, Journal of Islamic Studies, Middle East Policy, ISIM Review, Arab Studies Quarterly, Middle East Report, and Journal of Palestine Studies.

Useful news magazines/journals include The Middle East, The Economist and The New York Review of Books (available on-line to ANU students).

Academic Contact Prof Jim Piscatori

The information published on the Study at ANU 2009 website applies to the 2009 academic year only. All information provided on this website replaces the information contained in the Study at ANU 2008 website.

Updated:   13 Nov 2015 / Responsible Officer:   The Registrar / Page Contact:   Student Business Solutions