APG5590 - Political Islam - 2019

The unit provides an introduction to political Islam as a social and political force in the contemporary world. It examines conflicting definitions of political Islam; debates on its compatibility with democracy; its intellectual, social and historical roots; its relationship to violence and its implications for international relations and world order. These themes are explored via number of case studies illuminating the complexity of Islamic cultures, differences between various Islamic organizations, ideologies and traditions. The unit also looks at the response of various Islamic traditions to broader issues posed by the modern world such as colonialism, nationalism, secularism, feminism and globalisation.

Upon successful completion of the unit, students will be able to:

1. discuss the core ideas and actors engaged in political Islam;
2. analyse the diverse roles Islam plays in local and global politics;
3. evaluate the role political Islam plays in international relations;
4. work effectively with, critically respond to, and constructively assess the work of others;
5. express ideas verbally in group situations and in-class presentations;
6. utilise research skills in the study of Islam.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 288 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. A unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

See also Unit timetable information

International development practice

International relations