Islamophobia is defined as the unjustifiable, unwarrantable, and often exaggerated hostility toward Islam and Muslims. Fear is cultivated by framing Islam as a violent and ferocious religion that condones terrorism, creating an environment where Islam is represented, not only as “foreign” to Western values, but as clashing with these values. This course will look into the roots and causes of Islamophobia, and the role – if any – that is played by major media outlets in Western capitals, particularly Paris and London, in spreading and reinforcing negative stereotypes about Islam and Muslims.

In Paris and London, students will visit major media centers and hear from local experts about relevant topics such as: media coverage of Islam, Islamic women in the media, immigration and Brexit, the European refugee crisis, and UK media regulation and Islamophobia. Students will also visit the Louvre in Paris, and various cultural sites in London.

This course is most appropriate for students interested in international studies, political science, Islamophobia, communication, journalism, media, Islam, or current events.

The academic course associated with this program is INS 398/399: Islamophobia & Western Media: British & French Case Studies. It will be taught by Dr. Mohammed el-Nawawy.

This is an OPEN program.

*Itinerary and planned activities subject to change.*