Introduction to English Studies in Muslim Societies

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What was one significant purpose of education under European colonial rule?

To promote local languages and cultures

To foster international collaboration among nations

To strengthen colonial control over colonised societies (correct)

To encourage independence movements in colonies

Who referred to imperialism as an 'educational movement'?

Robert Eaglestone

Napoleon Bonaparte

Edward Said (correct)

The British East India Company

What was the general perception of English literature in academia in pre-WW1 Britain?

It was considered only for second and third rate minds (correct)

It was the primary focus of all university curricula

It was valued as essential for intellectual growth

It was taught widely in schools and universities

What approach did classical European colonialism predominantly use to sustain its power?

Militarization of education and cultural domination Signup and view all the answers

What division existed among Western scholars brought by the British East India Company?

Anglicists and Orientalists Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason for introducing English literature as an academic subject in British universities?

To use it as a tool for spreading colonial ideas and values Signup and view all the answers

Which institution was the first to introduce English literature as a subject at the tertiary level?

University of Cambridge Signup and view all the answers

Why was English literature first introduced in British India?

To facilitate the exploitation of colonised lands and people Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the objectives of postcolonial literature?

To reconstruct national identity Signup and view all the answers

How did the teaching of English literature in colonies affect indigenous cultures?

It dismissed indigenous cultures and asserted Western superiority Signup and view all the answers

What effect did the end of the British Empire have on literature?

It led to an influx of immigrant and postcolonial literature Signup and view all the answers

What perception arose regarding the cultural landscape of postcolonial Britain?

It evolved into a plural society with diverse cultural representations Signup and view all the answers

What was the underlying tension expressed in the introduction of English literature in colonial contexts?

The conflict between Christian values and colonial practices Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction to English Studies in Muslim Societies (ENGL 1310)

This course explores English studies within Muslim societies.

Overview

Module 1: Literature & Islam
Module 2: History of English Literature
Module 3: English Literature introduction in British India
Module 4: Postcolonial Literature
Module 5: The birth of Muslim writings
Module 6: Homework

What's the Difference Between Literature & Islam?

The presentation includes visual representations of literature and Islamic elements.

History of English Literature

Visual depiction of historical figures.

English Literature

European colonizers used education to control colonized societies.
Edward Said describes imperialism as an "educational movement".
Colonialism was the primary reason for introducing English language and literature to colonies like Malaysia.
Colonial rule relied on controlling minds through education.
Napoleon Bonaparte's conquest was accompanied by scholars and soldiers.
The British East India Company employed both military force and scholars (Anglicists & Orientalists).

English Literature (Continued)

English Literature was introduced in British India in 1835.
Hegemonic power is an indirect method to dominate without using military force, commonly seen in pre-WW1 academia.
Pre-WW1, English literature was not highly valued in British universities, often considered for less important or talented students.
Robert Eaglestone argues that English literature was viewed negatively in pre-WW1 Britain's academia.
Continental literature such as Greek, Latin, and Italian were valued over English.

English Literature (Continued)

Before WWII, English literature held a lower regard within British academic standards.
In 1971, Cambridge University recognized English Literature as a subject.
Post-WWI, Britain followed Cambridge's approach to "re-civilize" former colonies with English literature
English literature was promoted as a tool for spreading Western ideals and values, viewed as part of the civilizing mission.

English Literature (Continued)

Ironically, English Literature was first introduced as a tertiary-level subject of study in India, not England.
The British changed their colonial strategy, looking for alternatives to Christian missionary work in India.

Why Was English Literature Introduced in British India 1835?

To exploit colonized lands, people, and resources.
To perpetuate cultural and mental colonization.

Postcolonial Literature

In the postcolonial world, characterized by diverse cultures and neo-colonial anxieties, there's a need to reconstruct national identities and reject Western culture and values.
A primary goal of postcolonial literature is deconstructing the concept of cultural modernity transmitted through Western literary texts.

Postcolonial Literature (Continued)

The teaching of English Literature in colonies is seen as a tool to assert Western cultural and moral superiority while devaluing indigenous culture.
The postcolonial world saw the rise of immigrant literature, Muslim diasporic literature, and British Muslim literature addressing issues related to identity and culture.

Homework

Students are tasked with finding and analyzing Quranic verses or Hadiths regarding language and literature to discuss in class.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz covers the foundational elements of English studies in the context of Muslim societies, addressing literature, history, and the effects of colonialism. Topics include the interplay between literature and Islam, historical figures, and the emergence of Muslim writings. Explore critical themes that define the study of English literature within these contexts.