REL 3184 - Orientalism and Islamophobia

1 Course Unit(s)
In this course we will examine the theory of Orientalism and its expression in Islamophobia. The religion that will be addressed is primarily Islam in this instance, though Orientalism applies to any study of the “other.” Students will be expected to read texts on Orientalism, beginning with Edward Said’s seminal work on the subject, as well as a number of readings on Islamophobia with a focus on the intersection of Orientalism with race. The course will take an anti-racist and anti-Islamophobia approach, but will also engage in discussions and readings that critique Said’s theory and its uses in understanding Islamophobia today. Students will be assessed through short papers, paper building blocks, class discussion, regular journals, and a final research paper. (LENS)

General Education Requirement(s): Upper-level Liberal Arts; Writing Intensive
Prerequisite(s): Any Transylvania religion course and FYS 1104