ANTH 288 (2): Anthropology of Islam
Spring Semester 2013
Instructor: Amanda Buonopane
Class: W 5:00-7:40
Email: buonopane@geneseo.edu OR ajdavis2@buffalo.edu
Office hours: W 4:30-5:00, 7:40-8:30 by appointment, available by phone or skype
“The purpose of anthropology is to make the world safe for human differences.” –Ruth Benedict
Course Description
This course will provide an introduction to the study of Islam from an anthropological perspective. We will examine the core tenets of Islamic belief and the range of ways of being Muslim from a cross-cultural perspective. Specific topics will include Islam and the West, women in Islam, and whether we should speak of one Islam or many "islams.” We will be using various materials including articles and book chapters, films, and audio recordings. Classes will be largely discussion-based.
Learning Outcomes
• Students will demonstrate mastery of cultural anthropology data, particularly in regard to learning
about the ways of life of the living peoples of the world. Content mastery will be tested in
examinations and on the required papers.
• Students will demonstrate proficiency regarding the
development of cultural anthropology through exams.
• Students will demonstrate
acquisition of knowledge of the practice of the field of cultural anthropology
both on examinations and through the required papers.
Class Policies
University standards for cheating and plagiarism will be followed. If you must leave class early or arrive after class has begun, please try to do so quietly. Silence all cell phones before class begins and no texting during class. If you bring a laptop to class, please be sure to use it only for taking notes or looking up relevant information (no games, facebook, etc.). Come to class with an open mind and respect for your fellow students. Students with disabilities or special needs should speak with me at the beginning of the quarter.
Missing a deadline or
a test is only excusable under emergency situations and must be documented.
Course Requirements
Class Participation (10%): Each student is expected to come to class prepared and ready to participate in discussions. You are expected to read the materials assigned for each class PRIOR to that class. There will be regular group discussions and all students are expected to contribute.
Homework (10%): Each student will be assigned to either group A or group B. Homework assignments will rotate between the groups. On your group’s assigned week, each person must submit to the MyCourses dropbox three discussion questions based on the reading for that week. Questions should exhibit critical thinking toward the material and be open-ended (as opposed to ‘yes/no’ questions. Submissions will need to be uploaded the day before class (Tuesday) of each week. You should also bring your questions with you to class.
Final Paper (20%): Your final project will be a 7-9 page research paper on a topic of your choice. Your options are quite open but should be related to the anthropology of Islam. Due on the last day of class (May 1st). More details will be coming on final paper and presentation requirements.
Tests (40%, each is 20%): Each test will focus on materials covered in that part of the semester. Format for tests will likely be a mixture of multiple choice/matching and essay.
Short Papers (20%, each is 10%): Two short papers (3-4 pages double spaced) will be due on the dates noted in the schedule (Feb. 27th & April 17th). Both will be an analysis of the readings assigned for that date. These are response papers rather than research papers and outside sources are not necessary.
Required Texts:
Bowen, John R
A New Anthropology of Islam. Cambridge University Press. ISBN: 9780521529785.
Abbreviated as Bowen in schedule.
Kreinath, Jens, ed.
The Anthropology of Islam Reader. Routledge. ISBN: 9780415780254.
Abbreviated as Reader in schedule
Additional Readings marked online on the schedule are available on MyCourses
Grading:
90-100 A
80-89 B
70-79 C
60-69 D
SCHEDULE (subject to change)