Topics in Arabic & Islamic Studies

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

Time commitment totals 170 hours.

Admission into the fourth-years honours program or Postgraduate Diploma in Arabic, Islamic or Asian Studies.

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For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

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.

• 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

One research essay of 5000 words (due in the examination period).

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This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• 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

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