2020 Faculty Courses Liberal arts and basic science courses Humanities and social science courses
Area Studies: Middle East and Africa
- Academic unit or major
- Humanities and social science courses
- Instructor(s)
- Fuyumi Katsuhata
- Class Format
- Lecture (Zoom)
- Media-enhanced courses
- -
- Day of week/Period
(Classrooms) - 3-4 Wed (Zoom)
- Class
- -
- Course Code
- LAH.A504
- Number of credits
- 100
- Course offered
- 2020
- Offered quarter
- 3Q
- Syllabus updated
- Jul 10, 2025
- Language
- Japanese
Syllabus
Course overview and goals
This course offers an overview of major aspects of the contemporary culture of the Middle East and North Africa. It helps students to develop an understanding of the relationship between religion and culture and the cultural impact of globalization. Lectures focus on Islamic law, fashion, gender issues, pop-culture (music and films), and religious rites, using materials on Arabic countries such as Egypt.
Course description and aims
Students who successfully complete this course can be expected to have:
1. Acquired general knowledge of Islam, Islamic law, and realistic view of the social, cultural, and artistic aspects of the Arab world today.
2. Developed analytical study skills, by examining materials (especially videos and web pages made by Muslims in the region) through lectures carefully.
Keywords
Islam, Egypt, Arabic countries, Arab culture, the relationship between religion and society
Competencies
- Specialist skills
- Intercultural skills
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Practical and/or problem-solving skills
Class flow
Students are expected to watch lecture videos, take notes on printed materials, and submit two assignments( in the 4th and 8th classes).
Course schedule/Objectives
| Course schedule | Objectives | |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Introduction, overview of basic Islamic beliefs and practices | To be announced in each class. |
| Class 2 | Overview of Islamic law | To be announced in each class. |
| Class 3 | Marriage and Personal Status Law | To be announced in each class. |
| Class 4 | Fashion( Change in Mualim women's clothing from the 19th century), Assignment submission(mid-term report) | To be announced in each class. |
| Class 5 | Technology and Media | To be announced in each class. |
| Class 6 | Comtemporary culture (Music and cinema:past and present) | To be announced in each class. |
| Class 7 | Religious rites( Fasting, and Pilgrimage to Mecca) | To be announced in each class. |
| Class 8 | Assignment submission(term-end report) |
Study advice (preparation and review)
To enhance effective learning, students are encouraged to spend approximately 100 minutes preparing for class and another 100 minutes reviewing class content afterwards (including assignments) for each class.
They should do so by referring to textbooks and other course material.
Textbook(s)
No textbook. Printed handouts will be distributed in class.
Reference books, course materials, etc.
Study materials with reference list will be provided in every class.
Evaluation methods and criteria
Grading will be decided based on mid-term report(45%), and term-end report (55%).
Related courses
- LAH.A501 ： Area Studies: Europe
- LAH.A502 ： Area Studies: East Asia
- LAH.A503 ： Area Studies: Latin America
- LAH.A505 ： Area Studies: South and Southeast Asia
- LAH.A506 ： Area Studies: North America and Oceania
Prerequisites
None required.
Other
The course will be delivered in Japanese.