Description
Drawing from the scholarship published by the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding, this online course equips adult learners to apply solution-seeking research in cultivating their understanding of the legal and political challenges faced by American Muslims. Many of these challenges arise as a result of the current geopolitical climate and widespread misinformation and misunderstanding. Anti-Muslim sentiment and targeted policies that infringe on personal and religious freedom are the new normal. This course is designed to apply ISPU’s public policy research to examine the structural barriers that hinder the American Muslim community from full inclusion and participation. The sources and exercises provide students with an accurate understanding of American Muslim communities, equipping them to build and sustain allyship and identifying common challenges and solutions.
Earning Criteria
Certificate Students: The certificate program issued by the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding is divided into five courses.
▸ In AMST 2501 Muslim Religious Liberty in Early America, we will examine the origins of Muslims in Early America and the legal history of religious liberty in the United States.
▸ In AMST 2502 Who Are American Muslims?, we will examine the contemporary demographics of American Muslims, their values and views.
▸ In AMST 2503 How are Muslims Represented?, we will examine studies that document the systematic discrimination faced by American Muslims in the news media, multiple branches of government, and in public schools.
▸ In AMST 2504 How are American Muslims Treated?, we will explore the various ways American Muslims have been resilient in the face of adversity by examining their social contributions to American society and civic engagement.
▸ In AMST 2505 Resilient Communities: Pathways Forward, we will reflect on a series of pathways forward to remedy the legal and political conflicts surveyed in the course.
For Learners Seeking Academic Credit: After completing the graded assignments in the previous five courses, learners will enroll in ISPU 2506 Capstone Project. Learners will design and implement a community-based project, applying what they have learned from the course collection. Speak to your advisor about which accredited colleges and universities will offer you credit for completing the ISPU 2500-level course collection.
