IS THIS THE DARK AGE OF THE MUSLIM WORLD?

Abstract

UDK 378.4:28

IS THIS THE DARK AGE OF THE MUSLIM WORLD?
by Athar Osama and Nidhal Guessoum

Translated by: Sumeja Ljevaković-Subašić i Elvedin Subašić It is prevalent view that in science the Muslim world lags behind the rest of the world. In Muslim, especially Arab countries, universities are relatively new phenomenon: three quarters of all the Arabic universities are founded in the last quarter of the twentieth century. Introduction of a productive climate for science development requires some fundamental changes in functioning of universities in the Muslim world. For example it will require revision and the reform of curriculum as well as a reform of pedagogy, in a way that it will be deriving knowledge from the best practice (especially education that is based upon research study method); encouraging comprehensive, holistic and liberal education; broader multidisciplinary method of thinking; greater autonomy and more effective pedagogical training of teaching staff; redirection towards the matters of greater significance for the society; introducing a policy of non-tolerance towards plagiarism, academic deceptions and wrong motivations; taking action in solving the problem regarding the language used in teaching at the universities; engaging science academies, council ”Science in action” and non-governmental bodies in forming the models that will inspire future generations, especially women to take on a science career.