This course offers an overview of major aspects of contemporary Arab culture (Middle East and North Africa). It helps students to develop an understanding of the relationship between religion and culture, and the cultural impact of globalization. Lectures focus on the Islamic law, fashion, gender issues, pop-culture (music and films),and religious rites. using materials on Arabic countries such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Palestine mainly, also on Iran, if a comparative perspective will be needed.
Students who successfully complete this course can be expected to have:
1. Acquired general knowledge of Islam, Islamic law, and realistic view of the social, cultural, and artistic aspects of the Arab world today.
2. Developed analytical study skills, by examining materials (especially videos and web pages made by muslims in the region) through lectures carefully.
Islam, Arabic countries, religion and society, Arab culture
Specialist skills | ✔ Intercultural skills | Communication skills | ✔ Critical thinking skills | Practical and/or problem-solving skills |
Students are expected to have read the assigned readings and checked for news on the topic of the lecture in advance of each class. Attendance is taken in the 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 6th lecture.
Course schedule | Required learning | |
---|---|---|
Class 1 | Introduction, overview of basic Islamic beliefs and practices | To be announced in each class. |
Class 2 | Overview of Islamic law | |
Class 3 | Fashion( Change of women's dress from the 19th century) | |
Class 4 | Family structure (Change of way of Marriage) | |
Class 5 | Technology and Media (Islam and the Internet) | |
Class 6 | Comtemporary culture (Music and cinema:past and present) | |
Class 7 | Religious rites(Prayer, Fasting, and Pilgrimage to Mecca) | |
Class 8 | Globalization and acculturation, Conclusion |
No textbook. Printed handouts will be distributed in class.
Study materials with reference list will be provided in every class.
One written examination taken in the last class (65%); attitude in class (35%).
Attendance is taken in the 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 6th class. and missing more than two times would result in automatic failure of this course.
None required. (* Limited to students belonging to ToTAL. Students who are not enrolled in ToTAL should take the equivalent course from humanities and social science courses by ILA (course code starts with LAH.))
The course will be delivered in Japanese.