Topics in Arabic & Islamic Studies

Subject ISLM40001 (2010)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2010.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 4 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

Semester 1, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

Semester 2, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: One 2 hour seminar per week or fortnightly meetings with the coordinator
Total Time Commitment: 2 contact hours/week , 8 additional hours/week. Total of 10 hours per week.
Prerequisites: Admission into the fourth-year honours program or Postgraduate Diploma in Arabic, Islamic or Asian Studies, or to the Master of Asian Societies (200 or 150 point program).
Corequisites: None.
Recommended Background Knowledge: None.
Non Allowed Subjects: None.
Core Participation Requirements: None.

Coordinator

Prof Shahram Akbarzadeh

Contact

A/Prof Shahram Akbarzadeh

shahrama@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

This subject involves a series of seminar presentations and discussions on a topic or topics of contemporary or special interest in Arabic and Islamic Studies. Topics will vary from year to year, depending on current events and the interests of the particular cohort of students. Where appropriate, visiting scholars will participate as guest lecturers. Some of the seminars in any given year will be conducted in Arabic.

Objectives:
  • develop a deeper understanding of current developments in Arab societies and in the discipline of Arabic Studies
  • take part in an academic forum where students can debate issues in Arabic Studies
Assessment: One research essay of 5000 words (due in the examination period).
Prescribed Texts: None.
Recommended Texts: None.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • develop research skills through frequent and systematic use of the library and other information sources, the definition of areas of inquiry, and familiarisation with research methods
  • be trained in critical thinking and analysis through required and recommended reading, essay writing and tutorial discussion, and by assessing the arguments expressed in the reading materials
  • learn to think in theoretical and analytical terms: through lectures, tutorial discussion, essay writing and engagement in the methodologies of the humanities and social sciences.
  • acquire an understanding of social, political, historical and cultural contexts and an international awareness of the world. They will do so by developing critical self-awareness, contextualising judgements and knowledge, opening themselves to new ideas and new aspects of Arabic language and culture, and formulating arguments
  • be able to communicate knowledge clearly and economically, through essay and assignment writing, tutorial discussion and class presentations. They will be trained to give attention to detail through close reading, textual analysis, and essay writing. The class presentations and tutorial participation will train them in public speaking and enhance their confidence in self-expression
  • learn to plan and manage their time through organising their workloads for required reading and meeting deadlines for essays and assignments
Notes: None.
Related Course(s): Master of Islamic Studies
Postgraduate Diploma in Islamic Studies
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Arabic
Arabic Studies
Islamic Studies
Islamic Studies

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