Introduction to the Anthropology of Islam and the Middle East

Course content

This course seeks to provide a broad-based introduction to the core themes and ideas of the anthropology of the Middle East, and by extension of the Anthropology of Islam. It begins by exploring the reasons behind the relatively late emergence of the Middle East as an area of study, before moving on to consider such topics as Orientalism, Gender, rural vs. urban anthropology, the role of religion (traditional and modern), and the forging of a regional subjectivity (as witnessed in the ongoing uprisings throughout the Middle East – the so-called “Arab Spring”). The course is intended both to stand alone as a regional module, and to offer a overview of the issues for those students who wish to take their study of the Middle East one step further.

Education

The course is open to:

  • Exchange and Guest students from abroad
  • Credit students from Danish Universities

 

Full-degree students enrolled at the Faculty of Social Science, UCPH 

  • Master Programme in Social Data Science
  • Bachelor and Master Programmes in Psychology
  • Master programme in Global Development

 

Enrolled students register the course through the Selfservice. Please contact the study administration at each programme for questions regarding registration.

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

  • Students are expected to have a firm grasp of the development of the anthropology of the Middle East and of Islam, from its colonial origins to contemporary work. They are also expected to have a clear idea of key lines of tension and conflict in the Middle East, and in scholarly literature on the topic, today.

 

Skills: 

  • Students should be able to discuss the contemporary geo-political and cultural situation in the region and demonstrate insight into selected central theoretical concepts relevant to the chosen subject area and course material.

 

Competences:

  • Students should be able to conduct an analysis based on central concepts or themes presented during the course.

A combination of lectures, discussions, student presentations and group work.

MA students must include supplementary literature in the exam, which the student selects.

Continuous feedback during the course of the semester
Feedback by final exam (In addition to the grade)
ECTS
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Home assignment
Type of assessment details
Free written home assignment
The assignment can be done in groups of up to 4 people. In group assignments, each student’s contribution must be clearly marked in the assignment. The length of the assignment must be a maximum of 10 pages for BA students and a maximum of 12 pages for MA students. For group submissions, an additional 3 pages per extra BA student and an additional 3 pages per extra MA student are allowed. For groups where BA and MA students write together, the page limit corresponds to that of MA students.

Students must indicate on the first page of the assignment whether they are BA or MA students. In the case of a group assignment, the individual student's contribution must be clearly marked in the assignment.

The number of standard pages is calculated according to the assumption that a standard page is defined as 2,400 keystrokes including spaces. Read further about Formal requirements for written assignments and exams in Curricula’s Common Part for the Faculty of Social Sciences
Aid
All aids allowed

Policy on the Use of Generative AI Software and Large Language Models in Exams

The Department of Anthropology allows the use of generative AI software and large language models (AI/LLMs), such as ChatGPT, in written exams, provided that the use of AI/LLMs is disclosed and specified (i.e., how it was used and for what purpose) in an appendix that does not count towards the page limit of the exam.

 

If AI/LLMs are used as source, the same requirements apply for using quotation marks and source referencing as with all other sources. Otherwise, it will be a case of plagiarism.

Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
Re-exam

Free written home assignment

1st re-exam: A new written assignment submitted. The new assignment must be submitted by the deadline for the re-exam. 

 

2nd re-exam: A new written assignment submitted. The new assignment must be submitted by the deadline for the re-exam. 

Criteria for exam assessment

See learning outcome

  • Category
  • Hours
  • Lectures
  • 42
  • Preparation
  • 100
  • Exam
  • 64
  • English
  • 206

Kursusinformation

Language
English
Course number
AANB05070U
ECTS
7,5 ECTS
Programme level
Bachelor
Bachelor choice
Full Degree Master
Full Degree Master choice
Duration

1 semester

Placement
Autumn
Studyboard
Department of Anthropology, Study Council
Contracting department
  • Department of Anthropology
  • Department of Psychology
  • Social Data Science
Contracting faculty
  • Faculty of Social Sciences
Course Coordinator
  • Simon Westergaard Lex   (9-766c707271316f687b436471776b7572316e7831676e)
Saved on the 01-05-2025

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Courseinformation of students