| REL 361. Islam This course is a survey of the third and youngest Abrahamic religion, Islam. It is also an introduction to the study of Islam in the context of Religious Studies. It introduces students to the beliefs, practices, and history of Islam as a religious system. Students will learn about the life and role of the Prophet Muhammad, the compilation and exegesis of the Qur'an as the sacred scripture of Muslims and the role and debates surrounding Islamic Law and its application in past and present. We will discuss the division into Sunni and Shi'ite Muslims and the significance of Sufism or Islamic mysticism in the history of Islamic societies. In addition it offers an introduction to the achievements of Islamic civilizations in areas such as art and architecture, philosophy and the sciences.We will cover topics of contemporary debate such as Jihad and the role of women in Islam. Throughout the course, we will discuss both classical and modern developments within Islam and put an emphasis on the diversity of Muslims, their interpretations of sacred sources and the role of Islam in their lives. The course will enable students to understand current events and developments in and related to the Muslim world in their historical and religious continuity. Instructors: Pregill Credits: 4 semester hours |  |
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