About The Course

This course “Confronting Islamophobia: A Critical Analysis” explores the discourses, politics and real-life case scenarios of Islamophobia that led to the racialisation of Muslims throughout modernity. Topics will include colonialism and imperialism, the role of music, film, philosophy and the internet in the construction of otherness, the Olympics of suffering, and the responses different groups have had against their racialisation. This class will be of interest to students exploring religion, anthropology, philosophy, Latin American and Caribbean studies, European studies, Middle Eastern studies, history and comparative literature.

Anti-Muslim bigotry and racism have risen to epidemic proportions in the United States and Europe. Al Balagh Academy recognises the importance of equipping a broad array of religion scholars with the pedagogical knowledge, tools, and strategies to teach about, and against, anti-Muslim prejudice.

The Islamophobia: History, Politics, and Responses course provides an in-depth exploration of the complex dynamics that have contributed to the racialization of Muslims in modern history. Through the examination of colonialism, imperialism, and the role of media, music, film, and the internet, this course unpacks how otherness is constructed and perpetuated. The course also addresses the “Olympics of suffering” and the varied responses to racialization by different groups.

A key component of this course Confronting Islamophobia: A Critical Analysis is the distinction between teaching about Islam and teaching about Islamophobia, with a focus on the latter as a form of cultural racism. Students will gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms through which Islamophobia operates, why it matters in the broader context of racism, and how to create effective strategies for addressing it.

The curriculum is designed to equip students with the pedagogical tools needed to integrate an understanding of Islamophobia into their teaching, whether by creating new courses or enhancing existing ones. The course covers a wide array of topics, including the contrast between Islamophobia and antisemitism, the mental health impact of Islamophobia, the securitization of Muslim identities, and the critical role of media in perpetuating Islamophobic narratives.

In addition to theoretical knowledge, the course offers practical insights into legal, policy, and social models for tackling Islamophobia. Students will learn about legislative approaches, community empowerment strategies, and successful case studies from the UK, France, and the US. By the end of the course, students will be equipped to critically analyze myths about Muslims, understand the profound effects of Islamophobia, and develop campaigns or educational materials to combat anti-Muslim prejudice in various contexts.