Two schools, one Islam
Author Identifier (ORCID)
Non-Traditional Research Output
Recorded or Rendered Creative Work
Document Type
Non-Traditional Research Output
Date of Publication
2024
Location of the Work
Tim Winton Theatre, Bentley WA, YouTube, Website
Research Statement
Research Background
Two Schools: One Islam is a 25-minute documentary that explores two Islamic schools, in Melbourne, Australia and Semarang, Indonesia. The purpose of the film is to explore how Islamic schools vary in their teachings, practices, and approaches; are situated in broader cultural and social contexts; and develop Muslim identity. Collaborators included Assoc Prof Melanie Brooks (PI/Producer/Director/Creator), Professor Jeff Brooks from Curtin (CI), Dr Agus Mutohar UIN Walisongo, Semarang, Indonesia (CI), and Assoc/Prof Fida Sanjakdar Monash University (AI). The film was funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and the Australia Indonesia Institute.
Research Contribution
This project took existing knowledge from two different contexts and juxtaposed them in a new way. Present perceptions of Islamic schools are shaped by current political conditions which often portray them as centres of extremist indoctrination. This research utilised film as a medium to offer a counternarrative. Through a comparative case study design, the research employed first person narrative in a humanising and dignity-sustaining approach to subvert traditional critical approaches to meaning-making in qualitative research. Participants actively participated as co-authorities, extending the boundaries of traditional qualitative research design.
Research Significance
This research is the first documentary of its kind that explores Islamic schooling in Indonesia and Australia. Kevin Evans, Indonesia Director of the Australia Indonesia Centre stated that the film is a “useful contribution to better understating the inner workings of Islamic schools and will thus advance dialogue and understanding between Muslims and non-Muslims in both Australia and Indonesia.” The Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia Perth, Mrs Listiana Operananta, attended the Screening Event and said that the film “was impactful and important.”
School
School of Education
RAS ID
64966
Funders
Australian Department of Foreign Affairs / Australia Indonesia Institute
Comments
Brooks, M. (2023, November 8). Two schools, one Islam [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZUaZySajrQ