Antisemitism, Islamophobia and Constructing the Enemy

<p>What happens when fear and prejudice shape how we view others? What has characterized and driven hate and violence towards ethno-religious groups? In this course, you will explore how antisemitism and Islamophobia have developed in history - and how they affect society today.</p><p>The course is based on Religious Studies and focuses on two central concepts: antisemitism and Islamophobia. These terms describe different forms of fear and prejudice directed at Jews, Judaism, Muslims, and Islam. You will learn both where these ideas come from and how they appear in contemporary society. The course includes historical, theological, political, and cultural perspectives.</p><p>The course begins by problematizing and defining the concepts of antisemitism and Islamophobia. You will then analyse how these concepts have been used in different historical and ideological contexts to create eligious, cultural, and political distancedistance between groups and to identify “an enemy”. </p><p>Throughout the course, you will study both the historical roots and the contexts in which antisemitism and Islamophobia have emerged and developed. You will also work with modern and contemporary expressions, such as how conspiracy theories are used today to intensify hostility towards Jews and Muslims.</p>