REL 141 - Islam: An Introduction

A basic introduction to the Islamic tradition from the perspective of world events that occurred over the course of the past century or so. The main focus of the course will be the development of Islam in the modern period, but a basic understanding of earlier Islamic history will be introduced as needed. The course will cover such topics as the Prophet Muhammad’s memory, law, gender, and interpretations of the Qur’an through a focus on Muslim communities living in the Middle East, Europe, and North America. We will examine how different, and often competing, understandings of Islam have arisen in the modern context. We will also explore what it means to be a Muslim in contemporary society and consider the impact of modernity on the development of Islam. No prerequisite. Group III Diversity