PLM4490 - Islam in Turkey and Indonesia

Leader(s): Greg Barton

Offered

Caulfield Second semester 2009 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit examines the social, historical and intellectual dynamics driving Islamic revivalism in Turkey and Indonesia and pays particular attention to their progressive potential. Drawing upon the critical work of contemporary civil society movements and innovative intellectuals in both countries, it explores the conceptual and practical dimensions of the pursuit of constructive interfaith relations in the Islamic world. By placing Turkey and Indonesia at the centre of analysis, the unit aims to reveal Islam, less as a source of violence and terrorism, than as a source of tolerance, peace and conflict resolution.

Objectives

By the end of this unit, students at 4th level will have achieved:

1. An sound understanding of the character and position of Islam and Islamic thought in contemporary Turkey and Indonesia
2. An understanding of the significance of Islam in late modernity, with particular emphasis on the rise of religious social movements in Turkey and Indonesia and the role of Islamic movements in political dissent, conflict, violence and terrorism
3. An understanding of the role of Islamic social movements in Turkey and Indonesia in promoting tolerance, conflict resolution and contributing to the common good
4. A sound understanding of traditional Islamic thought, practices and social movements in Turkey and Indonesia
5. A broad understanding of the social, historical and intellectual dynamics driving Islamic revivalism in Turkey and Indonesia
6. A broad understanding of radical Islamist movements in Turkey and Indonesia, including terrorist groups
7. An sound understanding of progressive Islamic thought and social movements in Indonesia
8. An understanding of progressive Islamic thought and social movements in Turkey, in particular the contribution of Said Nursi and the Nurcu movements and of Fethullah Gulen and the Gulen movement to Islamic thought and practice in Turkey
9. Improved writing skills by producing two research essays
10. Developed research skills and theoretical background and ability.

1. An sound understanding of the character and position of Islam and Islamic thought in contemporary Turkey and Indonesia
2. An understanding of the significance of Islam in late modernity, with particular emphasis on the rise of religious social movements in Turkey and Indonesia and the role of Islamic movements in political dissent, conflict, violence and terrorism
3. An understanding of the role of Islamic social movements in Turkey and Indonesia in promoting tolerance, conflict resolution and contributing to the common good
4. A sound understanding of traditional Islamic thought, practices and social movements in Turkey and Indonesia
5. A broad understanding of the social, historical and intellectual dynamics driving Islamic revivalism in Turkey and Indonesia
6. A broad understanding of radical Islamist movements in Turkey and Indonesia, including terrorist groups
7. An sound understanding of progressive Islamic thought and social movements in Indonesia
8. An understanding of progressive Islamic thought and social movements in Turkey, in particular the contribution of Said Nursi and the Nurcu movements and of Fethullah Gulen and the Gulen movement to Islamic thought and practice in Turkey
9. Improved writing skills by producing two research essays
10. Developed research skills and theoretical background and ability
11. Highly sophisticated level of oral skills
12. Highly developed writing skills by producing two research essays
13. Highly developed research skills and theoretical background and ability.

Assessment

Short essay (3000 words): 30%
Major essay (5000 words): 50%
Field trip: 10%
Class Participation: 10%

Contact hours

One 1-hour lecture and one 1-hour seminar per week, and in addition one 7-hour field trip