GLOBAL ISLAMOPHOBIA

Western nations are experiencing a wave of populism eroding the liberal values these nations boast as setting them apart from illiberal regimes in the Global South and East. Animated by a sense of victimhood, an increasing number of citizens from majority groups are attracted to populist rhetoric by right wing ideologues who condemn immigrants, Muslims, and racial minorities as threats to liberal democracy. The stronger the populists become, however, the more the very system they purport to protect is destabilized. As xenophobia and Islamophobia is normalized in mainstream U.S. media and among right wing politicians, the chorus of populism demands building walls, banning Muslims, ending affirmative action, and restricting religious freedom. In this course, students will learn to think critically about the social, economic, political, and legal factors that contribute toward prejudice, discrimination, and human rights violations against Muslims and Arabs in the United States, Europe, and Asia in an era of rising populism. LIMITED WRITING REQUIREMENT OPTION: A limited number of students may be permitted to satisfy the upper-class writing requirement.