Islam som religion och skolämne - en studie om hur högstadieelever kan tala om islam

Abstract

With this thesis I have sought to do a critical review on how Islam is perceived and articulated by secondary school students in a school in a larger Swedish city. The aim is to analyse how some secondary students in Sweden talk about Islam, as a religion and as a school subject. To achieve this aim, seven focus group interviews with 36 students aged 15-16 have been conducted. These focus groups have discussed the general picture of Islam depicted by the society, media and through the school. But also how, and in what way that depiction has influenced their personal view of Islam. The students’ articulations will be presented and analysed by applying discourse theory as a method and underlying theory. Knowledge about religion is an important key in creating a mutual understanding and respect for others within a society imprinted and shaped by diversity. This thesis acknowledges teachers to create and open environment within their classrooms for discussions on religion, because I hope and do believe that knowledge and awareness will eliminate xenophobia and islamophobia.