110-092 Media Portrayal of Islam

This subject will study the historical, psychological, cultural, political and economic reasons behind the Western perception and media portrayal of Islam as a menace. The experiences of the Crusades, and the period of colonisation and anti-colonial resistance will be studied from a number of thematic/theoretical angles. Due attention will be given to a theoretical analysis of the semiotics and psychology of the media representations. Students should become familiar with the phenomenon of orientalism and develop a critical analysis of the portrayal of Islam as a threat. This subject aims to assist in building mutual confidence between the Islamic and Western worlds. The benefits of a more tolerant coexistence and cooperation will also be briefly reviewed.