ISL486 Intercultural Awareness and Muslim Community in Australia (8)

This subject provides intercultural awareness by informing students about practical ways of connecting with the Muslim community. Muslims in Australia come from numerous countries around the world. Such a heterogeneous community includes newly arrived refugees along with the already settled third generation Muslims. The subject aims to develop an understanding of the complex Muslim community through their commonly shared Islamic culture and their Muslim identity. Focusing on everyday religio-cultural practices of Muslims, this subject provides opportunities to critically assess, address and accommodate the needs and expectations of everyday Australian Muslims as clients, customers, co-workers, co-residents and co-citizens in multicultural Australias everyday settings. 

No offerings have been identified for this subject in 2022.

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 critically discuss nuances between religion, culture and religious identity;
  • be able to critically interpret, address and accommodate the needs and expectations of Muslims during interactions in diverse settings;
  • be able to analyse the main practices and concepts that are addressed in the public discourse (e.g. halal, Ramadan, Eid, mosque);
  • be able to critically assess topical issues with some level of nuance to conduct casual, safe and difficult conversations with and about Muslims;
  • be able to evaluate critical misconceptions, presumptions and prejudices about Muslims and Islam and their contributing factors; and
  • be able to perform independent research, organisation, written and oral communication skills through the presentation of substantial work.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • Islam-culture relationship and diversity of cultures in Islam.
  • Muslim identity beyond a religious identity.
  • The elements of Muslim identity and Australian Muslims.
  • Commonly used Islamic/Muslim expressions in their proper contexts.
  • Unpacking misconceptions and presumptions about Islam and Muslims.
  • Racism and Islamophobia experiences of Muslims in the West and Australia.
  • Constructive and engaging conversations with Muslims: Conducting regular, safe and difficult conversations.
  • Muslims' celebrations and the festive culture of Australian Muslims: Ramadan, Eids, Eid prayers, Friday Prayers, other festive rituals.
  • Everyday interactions with Australian Muslims: Neighbourhood, family and work dynamics and interactions.
  • Multi-faceted nature of Islamic culture in Australia. Food culture (halal and haram food), mosque culture and guest culture.
  • Scenarios from professional workplaces and situations showcasing the presence/absence of intercultural awareness.

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: June 2022. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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