ISL458 Islam: Peace, Dialogue and Pluralism (8)

This subject critically examines the multiple and diverse Islamic approaches to peace, pluralism, and dialogue with different faiths and cultures. It addresses controversial issues such as the response of Muslims to the Second Vatican Council decision Nostra Aetate calling for dialogue with Muslims. Principles of peace, pluralism and dialogue, will also be considered, including the application of them to different educational contexts, in particular the Australian context. Students will analyse different methodologies and theories, together with contextually situated approaches for peace-building, pluralism and dialogue between Muslims and non-Muslims.

No offerings have been identified for this subject in 2020.

Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

Centre for Islamic Studies and Civilisation

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to demonstrate an understanding of contemporary pluralistic and monolithic Muslim societies
  • be able to analyse and evaluate critically the modern day Islamic movements and their relationship to peace, pluralism and dialogue
  • be able to compare and contrast a wide range of views from Islamic thought and contemporary Islamic movements' perspectives on issues related to modern society
  • be able to evaluate critically the role of religion in peace making or engendering conflict in the Muslim world
  • be able to explore and discuss the 'us' and 'them' mentality in the contemporary Muslim world
  • be able to demonstrate independent research, organisation, written and oral communication skills

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • Key definitions and principles of peace, dialogue and pluralism
  • Dialogue and pluralism in the sacred text
  • Islam and the notion of hospitality
  • Peace and jihad in the sacred text
  • Influence of modernity: peace, dialogue and pluralism in the Muslim world
  • Dialogue or confrontation
  • Vatican II and Nostra Aetate and the Muslim response
  • Status of non-Muslims in Muslim society
  • Pluralism in the contemporary Muslim world
  • Integration or isolation: Muslim dialogue activities in Australia
  • Dialogue as encounter: Islamic pluralism in the Australian experience
  • Peace-building and dialogue initiatives of both Muslims and non-Muslims

Residential School

This subject contains a 2 day Optional Residential School.

The purpose of the residential school is to provide an opportunity for exploration of the coursework covered and assessment of student learning. In addition to content review, this part of the course aims to facilitate an interactive session between the teaching academics, students and sections of the Islamic community.

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: October 2020. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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