FR 586LEC - Islam in France

“Islam in France” begins with a survey of basic Muslim belief and practices, as well as its history with special emphasis on former French colonies in North and sub-Saharan Africa. It then examines French colonialism, outlining its motivation, history, and outcomes. The course finishes by considering two key notions: First, French attitudes toward its immigrant populations as expressed though housing policies, educational attainment, citizenship laws, and other questions of how individuals and groups occupy public space; Second, the contrasts between the French approaches to immigration and those of other European nations as well as the US. Some time will be devoted to the issue of the hijab or veil since it functions as the presenting social issue that relates religious expression on the one hand, with French public opinion on the other.

Credits: 3