Course coordinator
Ms Zerrin Afza
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- External
- Attendance mode
- Online
- 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.
ﾠ
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
RELN7307
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Ms Zerrin Afza
Dr Faiza El-Higzi
Tutor
Ms Zerrin Afza
Timetable
Additional timetable information
Lecture recordings are available online and there are no in person tutorials. Students are expected to submit short reading responses weekly (weeks 2 - 11, exclusive of public holidays). 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notebook/ Logbook | Weekly Diary Entries | 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
Weekly Diary Entries
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Notebook/ Logbook
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
1/08/2024 - 10/10/2024
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L03, L05, L08
Task description
External students are expected to complete 10 diary entries over the semester (9 if public holiday), to be submitted in Blackboard. Entries should be between 150 and 200 words each, and demonstrate an engagement with the course material and set readings in line with the stated topic.
Diary entries are due each week starting in Week 2 until Week 11 (excluding public holidays). Students will find the readings and questions for each diary entries in blackboard for each respective week. Diary entries are due by 2pm on the day of scheduled lectures (see timetable) for each respective topic. Students do not need to view lectures to complete diary assessments. The first diary entry is based on the reading and question assigned in week 2 and due in week 2. The second diary entry is based on the reading and question assigned in week 3 and due in week 3, and so on for up to 10 weeks.
Word Limits: Word limits are within ±10% of the set length (word limit) is acceptable. 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.
Submission guidelines
Please submit into Blackboard >assessment
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
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:
- That they have read the required readings, and have sufficiently researched the topic using academic sources.
- The ability to critically evaluate the subject-matter being responded to.
- 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:
- That they have read the required readings, and have sufficiently researched the topic using academic sources.
- The ability to critically evaluate the subject matter being responded to.
- 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
Diary Assessment Criteria
Criteria:
- Degree to which set questions and topic have been addressed.
- Understanding and engagement with set reading or other materials as required.
- Clear and concise written expression, well presented.
- Completion of diary entries, as per course requirements.
To achieve a grade of 7 (High Distinction, 85-100%), your diary will provide an exceptional response to the set topic, demonstrate exceptional levels of engagement with and understanding of the prescribed readings, and use very clear and concise expression with minimal, if any errors.
To achieve a grade of 6 (Distinction, 75-84%), your diary will provide an advanced level of response to the set topic, demonstrate very high levels of engagement with and understanding of the prescribed readings, and use clear and concise, largely error free expression.
To achieve a grade of 5 (Credit, 65 – 74%), your diary will provide a proficient response to the set topic, demonstrate high levels of engagement with and understanding of the prescribed readings, and use an effective standard of written expression.
To achieve a grade of 4 (Pass, 50 – 64%), your diary will provide a basic response to the set topic, demonstrate functional levels of engagement with and understanding of the prescribed readings, and use an appropriate standard of written expression sufficient to convey your ideas.
To achieve a grade of 3 (Marginal Fail, 45 – 49%), your diary will show that your entry has failed to meet the requirements for a passing grade, but that there is evidence of developing levels of achievement. You will have attempted to respond to the set topic, attempted to engage with and understand the prescribed readings. You will have used an appropriate a standard of written expression sufficient to convey your ideas.
To achieve a grade of 2 (Fail, 25-44%), your diary will show that you have provided an unsatisfactory response to the set topic, that your levels of engagement with and understanding of the prescribed readings are minimal, and that your expression is poor and/or inappropriate.
To achieve a grade of 1 (Low Fail, 0-24%), your diary will show that you have provided an unsatisfactory response to the set topic, that you have failed to engage with and understand the prescribed readings, and that your expression is poor and/or unsatisfactory.
Essay Assessment Criteria
Criteria:
- Ability to construct a well-reasoned argument.
- Depth and breadth of knowledge and understanding of central issues.
- Ability to form a well-structured essay.
- Engagement with academic sources and evidence.
- Insight and/or creativity in interpreting texts or constructing a point of view or argument.
- Capacity to produce a coherent and well-written essay using correct grammar and syntax.
- 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
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Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| 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 |
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:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
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