Muslim Britain: Perspectives and Realities (15Cr)

Key information

Start date: 23 September 2024
End date: 13 December 2024
Year of study: Any
Duration: Term 1
Module code: 15PSRH061
FHEQ Level: 7
Credits: 15
Department: Department of Religions and Philosophies

Module overview

The course begins by establishing the religion in a historical context starting with early Muslim migrations and settlement in Britain in the 19th century, through the various phases of subsequent migrations, to the institutionalising of Islam in Britain in the early twentieth century and the emergence of community leaders. Within this framework it will cover the different ethnic, sectarian and doctrinal approaches to Islam belonging to and/or adopted by migrants and second and third generation Muslims. The second part of the course will focus on particular issues that have arisen, uniquely, out of the above context and in response to world events. Students will be asked to differentiate between ‘perceptions of Islam’ as portrayed in historical accounts, media coverage, popular culture, and oral testimony, and ‘realities’ of Islam which include the ways in which government, at national and local level, have provided for the particular needs of the various Muslim communities with respect to the law, employment, education and health, gender issues, religion, and the role of Islamic institutions. Areas of debate will include such issues as the extent to which ‘Islam’ can be separated from Muslim society; the ways in which British Muslim identities are replacing ethnic ties amongst second and third generation Muslims; the role of Arabic in religious worship amongst the predominantly non-Arab British Muslim population.

Objectives and learning outcomes of the module

On successful completion of this module a student will be able to:

Explain the historical context of Islam in Britain
Differentiate between ethnic, sectarian and doctrinal approaches to Islam in Britain.
Critically evaluate the different theoretical and disciplinary approaches to the subject: religious, historical, political, sociological.
Critically assess how oral testimony contributes to the study of Islam in Britain
Compose well-evidenced arguments about what it means to be British Muslim at the turn of the century

Workload

1 hour lecture and 1 hour tutorial each week for 10 weeks.

Scope and syllabus

Early history from the introduction of Arabic learning to England in the 10th century through the Elizabethan and Victorian periods. Perceptions of Islam in literature.
Institutionalising Islam in the early 20th century and the emergence of Muslim leaders
Post-1945 migrations to Britain, i. economic and ii. political
Sectarianism
Islam and gender in British Muslim communities: patriarchy, modernisation, marriage, polygamy, Islamic dress
Muslim political representation in Britain
British Muslims and education
Reverts to Islam
The role of the media and popular fiction in shaping public opinion about Islamic culture
British law and Islamic jurisprudence
Islamophobia