110-230 Travel and Migration in Islam

Usually fifty points of first year from any area of study within the Faculty of Arts.

This subject explores historical patterns and models of migration and travel among Muslims, from the pre-modern period through to today, with the main focus being on the modern period. It engages with fictional and non-fictional accounts of non-Muslim societies through the eyes of historians, travellers and geographers from the pre-modern period, and asks such questions as: how do these writers interpret the space beyond those borders? It also examines interpretations of travel and migration by contemporary Muslim minorities in western countries. Among the topics it addresses are: to what extent does travel create a yearning for the homeland, and in what ways? The subject explores motivating factors beyond those of religious obligation and doctrine, such as self-affirmation and economic interest, and highlights how gender and ethnicity are reflected in such acts of movement.

• be familiar with research methodology and be able to analyse and interpret academic texts critically;

• be able to communicate and express one's self articulately and coherently;

• be able to participate in team work through small group discussions;

• be able to develop time-management skills through organized reading and submission of assignments;

• be able to interpret historical and geographical accounts conceptually.

An assignment of 750 words 20% (due mid-semester), an essay of 2500 words 50% (due during the examination period), a tutorial journal of 750 words 20% (due during the examination period), and continuous tutorial participation 10%.

Materials supplied by the Institute and:

• D Eickelman and J Esposito (eds), Muslim Travellers. University of California Press 1990.