Teaching Islamic Studies in the Age of ISIS, Islamophobia, and the Internet

• Main Authors: Dorroll, Courtney M, Hall, Kimberly, Baumi, Doaa, Ceballos, Manuela, Martin, Richard C, Geer, Benjamin, Khalfaoui, Mouez, Teipen, Alfons H, Hutchins, William Maynard, Moustafa, Laila Hussein
• Format: eBook
• Language: English
• Published: Bloomington Indiana University Press 01.03.2019
• Edition: 1
• Subjects: Education; Islam; Islamic civilization; Islamophobia; Religion; Study and teaching
• ISBN: 9780253039798; 0253039797

How can teachers introduce Islam to students when daily media headlines can prejudice students' perception of the subject? Should Islam be taught differently in secular universities than in colleges with a clear faith-based mission? What are strategies for discussing Islam and violence without perpetuating stereotypes? The contributors ofTeaching Islamic Studies in the Age of ISIS, Islamophobia, and the Internetaddress these challenges head-on and consider approaches to Islamic studies pedagogy, Islamaphobia and violence, and suggestions for how to structure courses. These approaches acknowledge the particular challenges faced when teaching a topic that students might initially fear or distrust. Speaking from their own experience, they include examples of collaborative teaching models, reading and media suggestions, and ideas for group assignments that encourage deeper engagement and broader thinking. The contributors also share personal struggles when confronted with students (including Muslim students) and parents who suspected the courses might have ulterior motives. In an age of stereotypes and misrepresentations of Islam, this book offers a range of means by which teachers can encourage students to thoughtfully engage with the topic of Islam. 1. This book strikes at a core and defining principle of the university: to expose students to new and challenging ideas and to encourage them to confront these ideas in a fair and objective manner. 2. It provides feasible, specific advice and encourages a frank discussion of an important challenge facing many teachers. 3. Author Courtney M. Dorroll is a young academic at a very small liberal arts college in South Carolina. As such, she is alert to the particular challenges facing a target audience for this book: new academics looking for advice on how to teach a sensitive but important topic to inexperienced students in smaller communities.