Teacher(s)
Language
French
Main themes
Introduce an analysis of Islam as a social and anthropological fact in relation to a comparative sociology of religions and symbolic systems. This analysis will be carried out with particular reference to European Muslim populations.
Content
This course addresses the broader contemporary societal issues relating to the presence of Islam in Belgium (and Europe). These issues are considered in relation to the specificities of European contexts on the one hand, while also being linked to the transnational dynamics of Islam on the other.
An introduction first outlines the subject of the course from a socio-anthropological perspective, as this course is usually attended by a very diverse audience. Thus, after discussing the specificities of the religious cultural phenomenon, the course situates it in relation to the various types of knowledge and discourse that have developed throughout human history, while offering a reflection on the many epistemological issues that this subject of study raises (e.g. tensions with the theological approach and difficulties in relation to Orientalism and colonization, not to mention how projects to Islamize knowledge in turn question the social sciences). In particular, the contributions and limitations of contemporary socio-anthropology of Islam will be addressed. Beyond the historical milestones that influence contemporary realities, demographic and socio-political benchmarks will also be presented to provide a clear framework for what is meant when we talk about the presence of Islam in Europe and Belgium.
The core of the course then provides an overview of contemporary research on the socio-anthropology of Islam:
- Socio-anthropology of identities and affiliations within Islam, in connection with the analysis of numerous contemporary intra-Islamic currents and their modes of transmission.
- Sociology of organizations and authority figures, highlighting their various sources of legitimacy.
- Socio-anthropology of the social uses of religion, based on the practices and processes of mobilization of Islam, particularly in European institutions and urban spaces (questioning the modes of appropriation and activation of symbolic, spiritual, or moral resources in social transactions, power relations, etc., including in relation to bodily practices and emotions, or even the question of violent radicalism).
- Questions relating to the future of European Islam and the modalities of inclusion of populations of Muslim descent in the European space (bearing in mind that the issues at stake lie particularly at the heart of the reciprocal perceptions and relations between “Muslims” and “non-Muslims”), with, if possible, an opening to contemporary post-migratory narratives.
A visit to one or other place of worship could be organized if a sufficiently large group requests it.
An introduction first outlines the subject of the course from a socio-anthropological perspective, as this course is usually attended by a very diverse audience. Thus, after discussing the specificities of the religious cultural phenomenon, the course situates it in relation to the various types of knowledge and discourse that have developed throughout human history, while offering a reflection on the many epistemological issues that this subject of study raises (e.g. tensions with the theological approach and difficulties in relation to Orientalism and colonization, not to mention how projects to Islamize knowledge in turn question the social sciences). In particular, the contributions and limitations of contemporary socio-anthropology of Islam will be addressed. Beyond the historical milestones that influence contemporary realities, demographic and socio-political benchmarks will also be presented to provide a clear framework for what is meant when we talk about the presence of Islam in Europe and Belgium.
The core of the course then provides an overview of contemporary research on the socio-anthropology of Islam:
- Socio-anthropology of identities and affiliations within Islam, in connection with the analysis of numerous contemporary intra-Islamic currents and their modes of transmission.
- Sociology of organizations and authority figures, highlighting their various sources of legitimacy.
- Socio-anthropology of the social uses of religion, based on the practices and processes of mobilization of Islam, particularly in European institutions and urban spaces (questioning the modes of appropriation and activation of symbolic, spiritual, or moral resources in social transactions, power relations, etc., including in relation to bodily practices and emotions, or even the question of violent radicalism).
- Questions relating to the future of European Islam and the modalities of inclusion of populations of Muslim descent in the European space (bearing in mind that the issues at stake lie particularly at the heart of the reciprocal perceptions and relations between “Muslims” and “non-Muslims”), with, if possible, an opening to contemporary post-migratory narratives.
A visit to one or other place of worship could be organized if a sufficiently large group requests it.
Teaching methods
The course begins with the students' knowledge and experiences, which are gradually structured to establish new questions; these comments are then revisited in the lecture, accompanied by a PowerPoint presentation that is commented on orally, always in relation to the students' initial comments. A portfolio of readings consisting of scientific articles is used to introduce and/or explore in greater depth one or other aspect covered in the course.
Various documentary resources are also used (Muslim productions, particularly in the form of articles and videos) to stimulate students' curiosity and reflection.
Various documentary resources are also used (Muslim productions, particularly in the form of articles and videos) to stimulate students' curiosity and reflection.
Evaluation methods
Assessment is primarily based on an oral exam, using a questionnaire that will be distributed to students during the semester, in order to allow students to reappropriate the material in various ways.
Other information
This master's course is open to anyone who wishes to understand contemporary intra-Muslim dynamics, as well as the societal issues related to this multifaceted and ever-evolving presence.
Ideally, but not necessarily, it is introduced by the course LPOLS1329 Sociology of Religion (which will soon be renamed Sociology of Religion and Contemporary Issues).
For students who have no prior knowledge of Islam, it may be useful to begin this course with a brief introductory reading of M. Reeber's book, L'islam, Coll. Les essentiels, Milan, no. 26, 2005, 63 pages. This book recounts the history of Muslim civilization, including the central points of its doctrine and institutions, and is richly illustrated and very accessible.
Ideally, but not necessarily, it is introduced by the course LPOLS1329 Sociology of Religion (which will soon be renamed Sociology of Religion and Contemporary Issues).
For students who have no prior knowledge of Islam, it may be useful to begin this course with a brief introductory reading of M. Reeber's book, L'islam, Coll. Les essentiels, Milan, no. 26, 2005, 63 pages. This book recounts the history of Muslim civilization, including the central points of its doctrine and institutions, and is richly illustrated and very accessible.
Online resources
This course is partly based on research conducted by the Interdisciplinary Center for Research on Islam in the Contemporary World (CISMOC-CISMODOC); some of its publications are directly accessible online.
Also worth noting is the CISMODOC library, located in the Faculty of Political and Social Sciences library, which is dedicated to publications relating to contemporary Islam.
Also worth noting is the CISMODOC library, located in the Faculty of Political and Social Sciences library, which is dedicated to publications relating to contemporary Islam.
Teaching materials
- Un portefeuille de lectures (disponible sur moodle) et ouvrages de référence (notamment en anglais) mentionnés dès le début d'année
Faculty or entity
Programmes / formations proposant cette unité d'enseignement (UE)
Title of the programme
Sigle
Credits
Prerequisites
Learning outcomes
Master [120] in Anthropology
Master [120] in Ancient Languages and Literatures: Oriental Studies
Master [120] in Sociology
Master [120] in History
Master [120] in Population and Development Studies
Master [120] in Sciences of Religions
Certificat universitaire en sciences des religions
Master [60] in Sociology and Anthropology