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This course explores Islam and Muslim societies in the contemporary period. It begins by focusing on the fundamentals of Islam, such as the life of Muhammad, the Qur’an, law, and theology. The topics we will discuss include opportunities for Muslims in the United States, Islamic spirituality (including Sufism), and successful Muslim-majority countries, such as Indonesia. The primary challenges we will address include political authoritarianism, sectarianism, and religious extremism. The objective of this seminar is to provide accurate information about the religion of Islam and to demystify Muslim cultures that frequently are portrayed in the media as violent and irrationally hostile to the West. Seminarians are encouraged to bring their questions regarding Islam and Muslims to this class.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS CLASS WILL BEGIN ON SEPTEMBER 28 AND END ON DECEMBER 7!
Required Reading:
Allen Roger and Shawkat M. Toorawa, eds. Islam: A Short Guide to the Faith. Eerdmans, 2011. ISBN-10: 080286600X; ISBN-13: 978-0802866004.
Devji, Faisal. Landscapes of the Jihad. Cornell UP, 2017. ISBN-10: 1849047200; ISBN-13: 978-1849047203.
Kahf, Mohja. The Girl in the Tangerine Scarf: A Novel. New York: Carroll and Graf Publishers, 2006. ISBN-10: 0786715197; ISBN-13: 978-0786715190.
