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Course profile

Islam and Society (RELN2307)

Study period
Sem 2 2024
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person

Course overview

Study period
Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
Study level
Undergraduate
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person
Units
2
Administrative campus
St Lucia
Coordinating unit
Historical & Philosophical Inq

The course will introduce students to the study of Islam, with a particular emphasis on Islam in the contemporary world. Students will benefit from learning about Islam in Australia and abroad, set against a background where Muslims have faced prejudice through the war on terror and Islamophobia. Students from a range of backgrounds will be challenged by the wider themes that the course raises that relate to human religious and cultural diversity in Australia and globally. The course covers a wide-ranging set of themes that include: ethics, science, media representation, gender, social inclusion and diversity, security, and free speech. This course may not run if there are fewer than 20 enrolments.

Course requirements

Assumed background

There is no prerequisite for the course.

Incompatible

You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:

RELN7307

Course staff

Course coordinator

Lecturer

Tutor

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Additional timetable information

Week 8 has an excursion to a Mosque. Further details to be provided on Blackboard.

Aims and outcomes

This course aims at developing in students the abilities of independent research, analytical thinking, critical judgement, effective written and oral communication, and social understanding of the religion of Islam, Muslim communities and contemporary issues surrounding the two.ᅠ

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

LO1.

Develop familiarity with the history, beliefs, and practices of Muslims and diversity therein

LO2.

Develop deeper understanding of Islam as an historical tradition in diverse societies

LO3.

Examine, discuss, and debate main issues related to Islam

LO4.

Gain knowledge as to how the Quran and Hadith work to shape Muslim views and practices.

LO5.

Develop a critical understanding around debates centering on Islam and Muslims

LO6.

Demonstrate reasoned thought, creativity and a high quality of written expression

LO7.

Conduct advanced research on Islam independently

LO8.

Gain awareness of contemporary issues, such as gender and multiculturalism, with respect to Islam.

Assessment

Assessment summary

Category Assessment task Weight Due date
Participation/ Student contribution Participation in Tutorials 20%

1/08/2024 - 10/10/2024

Essay/ Critique Short Essay 35%

6/09/2024 2:00 pm

Essay/ Critique Long Essay 45%

25/10/2024 2:00 pm

Assessment details

Participation in Tutorials

Mode
Activity/ Performance
Category
Participation/ Student contribution
Weight
20%
Due date

1/08/2024 - 10/10/2024

Learning outcomes
L02, L03, L05, L08

Task description

There will be ten tutorials over the course of the semester (9 tutorials if public holiday). Tutorial participation requires genuine preparation, which includes completing the set readings and attending the lecture. Please note that active participation is required. Participation marks are not given simply for attendance (see the criteria below).

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.

Short Essay

Mode
Written
Category
Essay/ Critique
Weight
35%
Due date

6/09/2024 2:00 pm

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08

Task description

Word Count: 1,500 words (+/- 10%) not including citations and the bibliography. 

For this essay, you will need to respond to one of several statements that will be provided on the Blackboard site. The essay should be based on no less than 5 academic sources.

Referencing Style: Students must use Chicago style for references and bibliographies: http://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/tools_citationguide/citation-guide-1.html

Word Limits: 1,500 words. Word counts within ±10% of the set length (word limit) is acceptable. Word counts do not include footnotes, however, discursive footnotes are included in the word count. Quotations are a part of the word count. Bibliographies are not included in the word count. A word count that is outside these 10% will receive a proportionate penalty and will be graded against the grading criteria.

AI: This assessment task evaluates the student's abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of artificial intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Students should demonstrate:

  1. That they have read the required readings, and have sufficiently researched the topic using academic sources.
  2. The ability to critically evaluate the subject-matter being responded to.
  3. Good written expression, creative thought, and argumentation in a clear, well-constructed essay.

Submission guidelines

Submit via Turnitin through Blackboard >assessment

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

Long Essay

Mode
Written
Category
Essay/ Critique
Weight
45%
Due date

25/10/2024 2:00 pm

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08

Task description

Maximum Word Count: 2,000 words (+/- 10%) not including citations and the bibliography.

For this essay, you will need to respond to one of several statements that will be provided on the Blackboard site. The essay should be based on no less than 7 academic sources.

Referencing Style: Students must use Chicago style for references and bibliographies: http://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/tools_citationguide/citation-guide-1.html

Word Limits: 2,000 words. Word counts within ±10% of the set length (word limit) is acceptable. Word counts do not include footnotes, however, discursive footnotes are included in the word count. Quotations are a part of the word count. Bibliographies are not included in the word count. A word count that is outside these 10% will receive a proportionate penalty and will be graded against the grading criteria.

AI: This assessment task evaluates the student's abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of artificial intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Students should demonstrate:

  1. That they have read the required readings, and have sufficiently researched the topic using academic sources.
  2. The ability to critically evaluate the subject matter being responded to.
  3. Good written expression, creative thought, and argumentation in a clear, well-constructed essay.


Submission guidelines

Submit via Turnitin through Blackboard >assessment

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

Course grading

Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.

Grade Cut off Percent Description
1 (Low Fail) 0 - 24

Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

2 (Fail) 25 - 44

Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

3 (Marginal Fail) 45 - 49

Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes

4 (Pass) 50 - 64

Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes.

5 (Credit) 65 - 74

Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes.

6 (Distinction) 75 - 84

Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes.

7 (High Distinction) 85 - 100

Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Additional course grading information

Tutorial Participation Assessment Criteria

 Criteria: 

  1. Evidence of participation in discussions.
  2. Evidence of preparation for the tutorial, most notably through completing the set readings.
  3. Quality of contributions to discussions.
  4. Fostering of group discussions, through courteous and respectful interactions with staff and students.
  5. Attendance is necessary to fulfill the above criteria, as per the course requirements, but marks cannot be awarded for attendance alone.

To achieve a grade of 7 (High Distinction, 85-100%), your attendance will be flawless and your participation exceptional. This grade reflects exceptional levels of preparation, mastery of course materials, and very high quality contributions to, and fostering of, group discussions. You should be able to engage with your peers very effectively.

To achieve a grade of 6 (Distinction, 75-84) your attendance will be excellent and your participation very substantial. This grade reflects excellent levels of preparation, knowledge of course materials, and high quality contributions to, and fostering of, group discussions. You should be able to engage with your peers effectively.

To achieve a grade of 5 (Credit, 65 – 74%), your attendance and participation will be good. This grade reflects proficient levels of preparation, good knowledge of course materials, and good quality contributions to, and fostering of, group discussions.

To achieve a grade of 4 (Pass, 50 – 64%) your attendance and participation will be satisfactory. This grade reflects adequate levels of preparation and knowledge of course materials, and an acceptable quality of contributions to, and fostering of, group discussions.

To achieve a grade of 3 (Marginal Fail, 45 – 49%) your attendance and participation will be unsatisfactory. This grade reflects irregular attendance and/or participation and superficial knowledge of course materials and basic levels of preparation. However, when in attendance, there is evidence of your ability to demonstrate developing achievement in contributions to, and fostering of, group discussions.

To achieve a grade of 2 (Fail, 25-44%), your attendance and participation will be very unsatisfactory. This grade reflects irregular attendance and/or participation, minimal knowledge of course materials, little evidence of preparation, and mixed to low quality of contributions to, and fostering of, group discussions.

To achieve a grade of 1 (Low Fail, 0-24%), your attendance and participation will be unsatisfactory. This grade reflects irregular attendance and/or participation, an no evidence of preparation, and little or no evidence of quality of contributions to, and fostering of, group discussions.

Essay Assessment Criteria

Criteria: 

  1.  Ability to construct a well-reasoned argument.
  2. Depth and breadth of knowledge and understanding of central issues.
  3. Ability to form a well-structured essay.
  4. Engagement with academic sources and evidence.
  5. Insight and/or creativity in interpreting texts or constructing a point of view or argument.
  6. Capacity to produce a coherent and well-written essay using correct grammar and syntax.
  7. Appropriately referenced, as per discipline conventions.

To achieve a grade of 7 (High Distinction, 85-100%), your essay should reflect an exceptional level of achievement. It should demonstrate that you have undertaken extensive, high-level research, that you are able to form a very rigorous, well-organised argument, and that your discussion is original and creative. It should also demonstrate that you are able to evaluate and organise data and/or evidence in a critical manner and that you have a sophisticated and insightful understanding of problems and issues. Your essay should be very well written, clear and concise, pay strict attention to discipline conventions and have minimal, if any errors in referencing, expression, grammar, spelling and punctuation.

To achieve a grade of 6 (Distinction, 75 – 84%), your essay should reflect an advanced level of achievement. It should demonstrate that you have undertaken wide research, that you are able to form a rigorous, well-organised argument, and that your discussion is coherent and convincing. It should also demonstrate that you are able to evaluate data and/or evidence in a perceptive manner, and that your understanding of problems and issues is perceptive and insightful. Your essay should be well written, clear and concise, follow discipline conventions and have few errors in referencing, expression, grammar, spelling and punctuation.

To achieve a grade of 5 (Credit, 65 – 74%) your essay should reflect a proficient level of achievement. It should demonstrate that you have undertaken the expected level of research, that you are able to develop or adapt convincing arguments and justify them adequately, that you are able to evaluate data and/or evidence in a proficient manner, and that you have a proficient understanding of problems and issues. The presentation and referencing of your essay will largely follow discipline conventions, perhaps have some errors in grammar, spelling and punctuation, and demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively.

To achieve a grade of 4 (Pass, 50 – 64%) your essay should reflect a functional level of achievement. It should demonstrate that you are able to apply fundamental concepts and skills, that you have undertaken a basic level of research and have the basic ability to evaluate data and/or evidence, to identify problems and issues, to offer insights and to develop routine arguments. Your organisation, writing, referencing, spelling and grammar will be adequate and use some of the discipline conventions to communicate appropriately.

To achieve a grade of 3 (Marginal Fail, 45 – 49%) your essay should reflect developing levels of achievement. It should demonstrate that you have a superficial level of knowledge of fundamental concepts and skills, that you have undertaken a basic level of research, made some attempt to evaluate data and/or evidence, to identify problems and issues, and to offer some insights. Your arguments, while underdeveloped, show your emerging ability to apply knowledge and skills. Your organisation, writing, spelling and grammar will be adequate, perhaps poor, and your referencing and use of discipline conventions poor/and or inconsistent.

To achieve a grade of 2 (Fail, 25-44%) your essay will reflect deficiencies in skill acquisition and in your understanding of the fundamental concepts of the course. It will demonstrate that you have not undertaken adequate research, that you are unable to evaluate data and/or evidence, to identify problems and issues, or to offer insights adequately. Your arguments will be unsupported and/or inappropriate, your organisation and writing will be poor and/or inappropriate, and referencing and use of discipline conventions poor/and or inconsistent.

To achieve a grade of 1 (Low Fail, 0-24%), your essay will reflect that you have failed to meet the minimum learning requirements and skill acquisition for this course. Your essay will demonstrate an absence of research, evaluation of data and/or evidence, and lack argumentation. Use of discipline conventions will be absent, poor or inappropriate, and written expression poor or inappropriate

Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment is available for this course.

Additional assessment information

  • Failure to submit all major assessment items (those worth 15% and above) will result in a maximum grade of 2 (Fail).
  • By submitting work through Turnitin you are deemed to have accepted the following declaration: ‘I certify that this assignment is my own work and has not been submitted, either previously or concurrently, in whole or in part, to this University or any other educational institution, for marking or assessment’.
  • All students must ensure that they receive their Turnitin receipt on every submission of assessment items. YOU MUST CHECK THAT THE RECEIPT CONFIRMS THAT SUBMISSION HAS BEEN SUCCESSFUL.
  • A valid Turnitin receipt will be the only evidence accepted if assessments are missing.

Without evidence, the assessment will receive the standard late penalty, or after 7 calendar days, will receive zero. In the case of a Blackboard outage, please contact the Course Coordinator as soon as possible so that they can confirm the outage with ITS.

  • It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that they are submitting assessment items on a device that is capable of the task, and that appropriate internet bandwidth and speed is available. If you cannot be sure that your device or internet will enable you to complete or submit an assessment task, you must come onto campus and use one of the University Computers in the Library or Computer Labs.
  • Plagiarism, and asking or paying someone else to do your work is cheating and constitutes academic misconduct. See ECP Section 6.1
  • Feedback against the assessment criteria in the form of comments on your script will be provided through Turnitin or on your script directly.
  • For information on assessment remarks see: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/querying-result

Learning resources

You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.

Library resources

Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.

Additional learning resources information


Learning activities

The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.

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Learning period Activity type Topic
Week 1

(22 Jul - 28 Jul)

Lecture

Overview and thinking about religion

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L05

Week 2

(29 Jul - 04 Aug)

Lecture

Dope Mipsters: Conceptualising Islam

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L05, L06, L07

Week 3

(05 Aug - 11 Aug)

Lecture

Representing Islam: Orientalism and beyond

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L05, L06, L07, L08

Week 4

(12 Aug - 18 Aug)

Lecture

Islam in context: Australia

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L05, L06, L07, L08

Week 5

(19 Aug - 25 Aug)

Lecture

Ethics and Piety

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L06, L07

Week 6

(26 Aug - 01 Sep)

Lecture

Islam and Gender

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L06, L07, L08

Week 7

(02 Sep - 08 Sep)

Lecture

Islam and Law

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L06, L07

Week 8

(09 Sep - 15 Sep)

Lecture

Freedom Islam & Multiculturalism

Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L06, L07, L08

Week 9

(16 Sep - 22 Sep)

Lecture

Migrating and Adapting

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L06, L07, L08

Mid Sem break

(23 Sep - 29 Sep)

No student involvement (Breaks, information)

Break

No lecture, no tutorials.

Week 10

(30 Sep - 06 Oct)

Lecture

Race, Ethnicity and Islam

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L05, L06, L07, L08

Week 11

(07 Oct - 13 Oct)

Lecture

Mobilizing

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L05, L06, L07

Week 12

(14 Oct - 20 Oct)

Lecture

Islam and Science

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L08

Week 13

(21 Oct - 27 Oct)

Lecture

Course summary

Learning outcomes: L03

Policies and procedures

University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:

Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.

You'll also need to be aware of the following policies and procedures while completing this course:

  • Student Travel