Islam, Immigrants, and the Future of European Culture

3 units

Coming from Turkey, North and West Africa, Pakistan, and elsewhere, Muslim immigrants in Europe are changing what it means to be a European. In the process, they have brought questions of cultural identity into the international media. Examining literature, the press, and secondary studies, this writing-intensive course will study the ways in which national governments and institutions have chosen to deal with the arrival of large numbers of Muslims as permanent residents. We will consider what the various controversies and prejudices surrounding their presence mean for the future of European culture. Such issues as citizenship, assimilation, the right to cultural difference, and the use of cultural and religious symbols will be among our major interests. No foreign language background is assumed. Priority will be given to IAS majors for this WI course.