University of Washington—Seattle Campus

University Honors Program—Winter Quarter 2017

HONORS 231 B: Islam and Muslims in Western Contexts

Class Meets Mondays and Wednesdays 9:30 AM-11:20 AM in (Dem 002).

Karam Dana, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Global and Middle East Politics
E-mail: karam@uw.edu(I check my inbox, M-F, 11AM-6PM)
Office Hours: Location “Honors Seminar Room”—Thursdays 11:00 AM-12:00 PM

Class Description:

This class provides a survey of Muslims living in non-Muslim context, but primarily in the US
and Europe. This course explores the historical journey(s) of this religion/culture and its eventual
settlement in the western world and eventually to North America. We will examine the diversity
of Islam in the US and in Europe, and will explore and compare the experiences of Muslims in
the US and other parts of the western world. Discussions over gender roles, transnational ties,
radical versus moderate Islam will be examined and explored. The larger question posed by the
class deals with the compatibility between Islam as a religion and a culture, and modernity and
western democracies, and the extent to which the anti-Muslim feelings are significant in
determining the relationship between Islam and the Western world.

Objectives of the Course:

Upon successful completion of the course, students are expected to:

1. Describe the historical presence of Muslims and their accomplishments in the West (and in
the US in particular) as a minority group.
2. Describe the ethnic (and even religious) diversity of Muslims that have settled in the US and
other Western contexts, and to examine the various cultural and ethnic identities of Muslims
and their perspective through representative literary works.
3. Identify issues important to Muslims (or any other mainly-immigrant minority group in the
US) living in America to include gender, religious conversion, discrimination, acculturation,
assimilation, and incorporation.
4. Evaluate and critically analyze media coverage of Muslims in the West and explore more
effective methods of coverage through weekly assignments.
5. Develop, articulate, and effectively argue for or against issues important to Muslims in the
US and the West in general, which would help formulate own opinions of Muslim and Islam
in western contexts.
6. Acquire critical thinking and analytical abilities through both class discussions and writing
assignments.

Learning Experience and course philosophy:

The course will be taught and conducted primarily in a discussion fashion, where students are
encouraged to participate by sharing their opinions and challenge other opinions in a respectful
manner. Students are encouraged to find their own voice and express it through thoughtful
discussions and through the paper assignments and a short final research paper. Students are
expected to finish the assigned reading by the day they are assigned
Overview of Assignments:
1- In Class Participation: I expect that all students show up to class, every time, on
time. Readings are due to have been read on the day they are assigned. (i.e., You should have
done the reading for that day, before arriving to class).
2- Response Papers: You are required to turn in a total of (3) THREE 3-4 page response papers
(not including bibliography/Works Cited). The response paper is not a summary, but rather a
critical overview of a particular article’s theme(s). In addition to a summary of an article, you
will need to provide me with evidence as to why you agree/disagree with the views/ analyses of
particular author.
3- Research Presentation Proposal: a one-page description of what you plan to research
and at least 10 sources (separate page) that you plan to consult (due week 6)
4- Final Research Presentation: You will have the opportunity to explore a topic of interest to
you that is related directly connected to the study of Muslims in western contexts. The
research has to show original work, and provide proper citations for all sources. You will need to
let me know about your research paper (proposal due week 6).This is an opportunity to share
your research paper topic with others in the classroom. EVERY student will give a 7-minute oral
(and visual) presentation showcasing their research project and findings. You also need to
submit a Three-Page Description Of your research, plus a minimum of 2-page bibliography
right before you present.

Grades and Evaluation of Student Performance:

Grades will be based on class participation, a map quiz, response papers, final research
presentation, and in class participation. In order for you to effectively participate in the
classroom, you will need to be physically present in the class. As such, students are expected to
attend all classes. If you cannot attend a class, it is your responsibility to find out what you
missed. DO NOT email me to ask for assignments or recap what we covered in your
absence, regardless of the reason of your absence; instead, ask a classmate for notes and
handouts.
Laptops and cell phones:
Cell phone use is NOT permitted in class; since these devices draw attention away from class
activity and discussion, students who violate this policy may have points deducted from their
participation grades and may be asked to leave the classroom. Laptops may ONLY be used for
note-taking purposes only. DO NOT SURF THE INTERNET! If you do, I will ask you to
leave the classroom.

*****To allow everyone to speak freely in the classroom, it is NOT permitted to use any
recording devices, of any nature, in the classroom, without my prior written approval*****

LATE PAPER POLICY: If you miss turning in any of your papers (response or
research), WITHOUT MY PRIOR APPROVAL, my policy is simple: I will not accept it. This
is to make sure I am fair in giving equal time to all students in preparing for assignments and
evaluating them properly.
PLEASE: DO NOT EVER EMAIL YOU YOUR PAPER, UNLESS I TELL
YOU SPECIFICALLY TO DO SO. IF YOUR PAPER IS LATE, THEN MY LATE
POLICY APPLIES. EMAILING ME YOUR PAPER WILL GUARANTEE THAT IT
WILL NOT BE READ.
Grade Breakdown:

60% of Grade………Three Response Papers (20% of the grade for each paper)
25% of Grade………Research Presentation (Plus a Three-Page Description Of your
research, plus a minimum of 2-page bibliography)
2% of Grade…………Research Presentation Proposal (due week 6)—One page Only!
13% of Grade………In-class Participation

Total 100%

Grade Scale:
This scale should help you with calculating your grades. Under no circumstances will I deviate
from this scale---in an effort to be fair to all students. (All number are rounded up):
98-100%.................................4.0
96-97%...................................3.9
95-96%...................................3.8
94-95%...................................3.7
93-94%...................................3.6
92-93%...................................3.5
91-92%...................................3.4
90-91%...................................3.3
89-90%...................................3.2
88-89%...................................3.1
87-88%...................................3.0
86-87%...................................2.9
85-86%...................................2.8
84-85%...................................2.7
83-84%...................................2.6
82-83%...................................2.5
81-82%...................................2.4
80-81%...................................2.3
79-80%...................................2.2
78-79%...................................2.1
77-78%...................................2.0
And so on….
67-68%...................................1.0
Less than 64%........................0.0

Required Readings:

1- Bayoumi. The Muslim American Life.

2- Said, Edward. Covering Islam.
3- Ramadan, Tariq. What I Believe.
4- Eggers, Dave. Zeitoun.
5- A few Scholarly journal articles (available through the UW Libraries and on Canvas, under
"Files").

WEEKLY READING AND ASSIGNMENGT SCHEDULE:

Week 1: Islam, Muslims, and Arabs: What’s the Difference?

Wednesday— Jan 4, 2017:

--Introduction!

Week 2: Muslim and American (or Western) identities: do they conflict?

Monday—January 9, 2017:

Readings:

1. Naber, Nadine. "Ambiguous Insiders: an Investigation of Arab American

Invisibility." Ethnic and Racial Studies. 23 (2000): 37-61.

2. Jabara, Abdeen, and Joe Stork “Political Violence against Arab-Americans.”MERIP

Middle East Report, No. 143, Nuclear Shadow over the Middle East. (Nov. - Dec.,
1986), pp. 36-38.

3. Shain, Yossi. "Arab-Americans at a Crossroads." Journal of Palestine Studies. 25.3

(1996): 46.

Wednesday—Jan 11, 2017:

Muslims in Western Contexts: Immigrants? Or locals?

1. Ramadan, pp. 1-24.

2. Said, pp. 3-35.
3. Ghayur, M. Arif. “Muslims in the United States: Settlers and Visitors.” Annals of the
American Academy of Political and Social Science, Vol. 454, America as a Multicultural
Society. (Mar., 1981), pp. 150-163.

Response Paper # 1 Due by 11 AM on Canvas!

Week 3: Identity in Flux! Muslim? American? Or both? The multifaceted identity!

Monday, January 16, 2017:---HOLIDAY NO CLASS! MLK DAY!!

Wednesday, Jan 18, 2017:

Readings:

1. Swaine, Lucas. 2009. “Demanding deliberation: political liberalism and the inclusion of
Islam.” Journal of Islamic Law and Culture 11, No. 2, May 2009, 88–106.
2. MARCH, ANDREW F. 2006. "Liberal Citizenship and the Search for an Overlapping
Consensus: The Case of Muslim Minorities". Philosophy & Public 34 (4): 373-421.
3. Asani, Ali S. "“So That You May Know One Another”: a Muslim American

Reflects on Pluralism and Islam." The Annals of the American Academy of

Political and Social Science. 588.1 (2003): 40-51.

4. Peek, Lori. "Becoming Muslim: The Development of a Religious Identity." Sociology of

Religion66, no. 3 (2005): 215-42.

Week 4: Islam and Modernity: compatibility?

Monday, Jan 23, 2017:

1. Selod, Saher. 2015. "Citizenship Denied: The Racialization of Muslim American Men and
Women Post-9/11." Critical Sociology41, no. 1 (2015): 77-95.
2. Cainkar, Louise. 2009. Chapter 3 "The Social Construction of the Arab (and Muslim)
American" in Homeland insecurity: the Arab American and Muslim American experience
after 9/11. New York: Russell Sage Foundation.

Wednesday—Jan 25, 2017:

1. Lewis, Bernard. The Roots of Muslim Rage, 1990. The Atlantic Monthly.
2. Said, Edward. Xlix-lxx.
3. Zakaria, Fareed. 2004. "Islam, Democracy, and Constitutional Liberalism". Political Science
Quarterly. 119 (1): 1.

Response Paper # 2 Due by 11 AM on Canvas!

Week 5: Stereotypes of Muslims: a critical look.

Monday—Jan 30, 2017:

1. Said, 36-79, and Said 80-94

2. Powell, Kimberly. 2011. Framing Islam: An Analysis of U.S. Media Coverage of Terrorism
Since 9/11

Wednesday—Feb 1, 2017:

Said, 95-133.

Week 6: power and knowledge!

Monday—Feb 6, 2017:

Bayoumi— HALF THE BOOK! THIS BOOK IS VERY IMPORTANT! WE WILL DISCUSS IT
RIGHT AFTER WE RECONVENE!
Wednesday—Feb 8, 2017:

Said, 134-174.
Ramadan, 24-50.

One-page research presentation proposal due by 11 AM on Canvas!

Week 7: The Lives of American Muslims

Monday—Feb 13, 2017:

Read rest of Bayoumi’s book.

Wednesday—February 15, 2017:

A Guest Lecturer will cover my (I will be out of town).

Response Paper #3 Due by 11 AM on Canvas!

Eggers (Zeitoun), the whole book (It’s an easy read over the long weekend!)
Another significant book!

Week 8: Islam, gender, and the west.

Monday, Feb 20, 2017:

NO CLASS--HOLIDAY--PRESIDENTS DAY!

Wednesday—Feb 22, 2017:

NO REFGULAR CLASS TODAY. INSTEAD ATTENDING EVENING LECTURE OF DALIA
MOGAHED AT UW BOTHELL (MORE DETAILS LATER)

Week 9: Pre and Post 9/11 world: can the two worlds (or time lines!) converge?
Monday—Feb 27, 2017:

1. McCloud, Aminah B. “American Muslim Women and U. S. Society.” Journal of Law and
Religion, Vol. 12, No. 1. (1995 - 1996), pp. 51-59.
2. Ramadan, 51-61, and Ramadan, 62-79.
3. Moore, Kathleen. “A Part of US or Apart from US?: Post-September 11 Attitudes toward
Muslims and Civil Liberties.” Middle East Report, No. 224. (Autumn, 2002), pp. 32-35.

Wednesday—March 1, 2017:

1. Dana, Karam, Matt A. Barreto, and Kassra A.R. Oskooii. 2011. "Mosques as American
Institutions: Mosque Attendance, Religiosity and Integration into the Political System among
American Muslims". Religions. 2 (4): 504-524.

2. Sirin, Selcuk R., and Michelle Fine. "Hyphenated Selves: Muslim American Youth
Negotiating Identities on the Fault Lines of Global Conflict." Applied Developmental
Science11, no. 3 (2007): 151-63.

Week 10:
Monday—March 6, 2017:
Presentations in class!!!

Wednesday—March 8, 2017:
Presentations in class!!!

End of Course!