A Case Study: Teaching About Islam

Abstract

In Chapter Five I outlined the importance of constructing a strong learning community as a foundation for a cultural studies model. I gave examples from my own classroom practices through the lens of two different types of courses: one that is explicitly focused on the study of religion (Islamic Cultural Studies) and one where religion is introduced as one lens of analysis among others (Responses to the Holocaust). Here I proceed with the discussion about how to teach about religion by continuing to focus upon the Islamic Cultural Studies course as a case study. In this chapter I will 1) briefly outline how I constructed the Islamic Cultural Studies syllabus as one rooted in a cultural studies framework; 2) identify and discuss my responses to five issues that emerged in the early days of the course that are common for students who are new to the study of religion; and 3) share reflections from student evaluations regarding their responses to both the method and content of the course. My aim is to help further illuminate how to implement a cultural studies model in an actual classroom and to include student reflections regarding their experiences.