Course Outline for Ethnic Studies 3
Introduction to Muslim-American Studies

Effective: Fall 2016
SLO Rev: 12/14/2016
Catalog Description:

ES 3 - Introduction to Muslim-American Studies

3.00 Units

An examination of the diversity of Muslim communities in the United States with an emphasis on comparing and contrasting their histories, cultures and experiences. Topics include: patterns of migration; religious beliefs and practice; acculturation and assimilation; political involvement; education and employment; 9/11 and its aftermath; relations with the broader Muslim world.
Letter Grade Only
Type Units Inside of Class Hours Outside of Class Hours Total Student Learning Hours
Lecture 3.00 54.00 108.00 162.00
Total 3.00 54.00 108.00 162.00
Measurable Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. explain Islam and its concepts relevant to understanding Muslims in America;
  2. identify the major Muslim American communities and their current demographics; including Afghani, Pakistani, African, Middle Eastern, and Eastern European;
  3. explain the key historical facts of each of the above communities;
  4. compare and contrast the experiences and social characteristics of these primary subgroups;
  5. analyze the negative stereotypes and imagery of American Muslims, and explain the primary issues facing Muslim Americans in general and after 9/11 in particular;
  6. describe the socio-political relationships of the various Muslim communities to their home of origin;
  7. identify the primary issues facing Muslim Americans;
  8. identify Muslim Americans’ participation in United States institutions;
  9. discuss and analyze the future prospects of Muslim Americans.
Course Content:
  1. Introduction to Muslim-American Studies
    1. Historical Roots
    2. Concepts
    3. Migration
    4. American Muslims; an increasing minority
  2. Race and Identity
    1. The First Generation
    2. Living in Two Worlds
    3. A Lost Identity
    4. Stereotypes and Imagery
  3. American Muslims, A New Generation
    1. Social Problems of Educating in America
    2. Current Directions in Social Activism
  4. American Muslim Families
    1. Changing Roles
    2. Assimilation
    3. Participation
    4. Intermarriages
    5. Major Social Problems
  5. Social and Political Movements
    1. Struggle for Equality
    2. Civil Rights Movement
    3. Discrimination
    4. Muslim Organizations and Their Functions
    5. Future Trends in Work and Education
  6. American Muslims after 9/11
    1. The Aftermath of 9/11
    2. Myth versus Reality
    3. Racial Profiling
    4. Negative Stereotypes of Muslims in the United States Media
    5. A Mistaken Identity
    6. Misconception
    7. Patriot Act
    8. 9/11 Commission Report
  7. United States Foreign Policy and its Effects on Muslim Americans
    1. United States Invasion of Afghanistan
    2. United States Invasion of Iraq
    3. Muslims and the West
  8. Future Prospects/Directions
Methods of Instruction:
  1. Class Presentations
  2. Group analysis of issues/ problems
  3. Guided discussion about text and videos
  4. Lecture/Discussion
  5. Presentation
  6. Viewing of the assigned videos
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
  1. Research project: Explore five websites relevant to Muslim Americans and their issues, and write a paragraph for each website describing their contents;
  2. Interview a staff member of a Muslim organization, and write a short paper explaining the purpose of that organization and the services it provides.
  3. Write a three-page summary and analysis paper about stereotypes of Muslim Americans you found in the press.
  4. Watch and analyze video clips, using instructor-prepared worksheets on assigned topics.
  1. Quizzes
  2. Projects
  3. Final Examination
  4. Midterm Examination
  5. Participation in class activities and discussions
  6. Small group presentation
  7. Take home exercises
Upon the completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. Demonstrate understanding of the influence of media on the public perception of Muslims in the United States, and appropriate methods to change social perceptions
  2. Describe the diversity of Muslim communities in the U.S. by comparing and contrasting their significant properties.
  3. Identify relevant historical facts, concepts, images and issues, and analyze the future prospects of Muslim Americans.
Textbooks (Typical):
  1. Garrod, A and Kilkenny, R (2014). Growing Up Muslim: Muslim College Students in America Tell Their Life Stories (1st ). Cornell University Press.
  2. Hammer, J. and Safi, O. (2013). The Cambridge Companion to American Islam Cambridge University Press.
  3. Curtis, E. E. (2009). Muslims in America: A Short History Oxford University Press.
Abbreviated Class Schedule Description:
Discipline:
Ethnic Studies*