Syllabus

The module examines both the historical aspect of the Muslim presence in Europe and the contemporary situation. The key topics covered are:

• The historical interaction between Islam and the West
• Muslim presence in Spain
• Muslims in Asia Minor and the Balkans
• Trade exchange between Muslims and Europeans
• The effect of the crusades on Europe-Muslim relations
• The effects of colonization on Europe-Muslim relations
• Modern interaction between Islam and the West
• Muslims in North America
• Social impact of Muslims in the West
• Muslims in Britain and the concept of citizenship

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge
On completion of this module, the successful student will be able to:

• Analyse the context of the long interaction between Muslims and the West (A4, B2)
• Evaluate the background of various Muslim communities in the West (B4)

Skills
This module will call for the successful student to:

• Demonstrate effective development of argument and discussion on key issues as related to Muslim communities in the West (B2, B4, B5, C1, C2, D1- D3, D5, D6)

Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy

The basic structure of the module will be provided by the lectures, within which time will be allocated for group work and documentary clips. There will also be several seminars to discuss key moments and movements that have had a radical impact on relation between Muslims and the West. Individual study will consist of general reading, specific historical texts and reading on specific topics. A number of topics will be selected for special reading and seminar discussion and the exam questions will focus on these.

Assessment Mode
Questions arising from lectures form the basis formative assessment, through small group discussions leading to student-led seminar presentations. The module leader will regularly give feedback to student regarding the progress of their coursework, a draft copy of the completed coursework need be handed in to the module leader before the 10th learning week as part of the formative learning process. Additionally, revision sessions are arranged that will cover topics in preparation for exams, providing constructive formative feedback to students.
Summative, graded assessment is by coursework, which will require students to demonstrate their learning of key issues and to present their findings effectively in the form of an essay of 1,500  words (Outcomes 3). The 2 hour written examination will take place at the end of the semester (Outcomes 1, 2).

Assessment Weighting
Coursework: 50%
Written Examination: 50%

Learning Materials

Core readings

• Haddad, Y.Y. ed. (2002). Muslims in the West: From Sojourners to Citizens. New York: Oxford University Press.
• Allen, C. (2010). Islamophobia. Farnham: Ashgate Publishing Ltd.