Islam and Muslim Cultures in Quebec French-language Textbooks over Three Periods: 1980s, 1990s, and the Present Day

Abstract

This article examines the evolution of the representation of Islam and Muslim cultures in textbooks in Quebec. Results indicate significant improvements in the new secondary school history textbooks both quantitatively (for they contain more information about pillars, key concepts, and relations with Christianity and Judaism) and qualitatively (on account of their depth, fewer negative views than in the 1980s, and fewer factual errors than in the 1990s). The positive role played by Muslim scientists in preserving old knowledge and enriching it is also recognized. However, textbooks still view Islam as a religion of submission, proscriptions and forced conversion, and fail to recognize diversity within Islam and Muslim cultures.