Islam

An introduction to the scriptures, tenets, practice and historical development of the religion of Islam and the principal genres of scholarly and religious expression in Islamic societies. Throughout the course, a chronological account will be paired with theme discussions on law, science, philosophy, mysticism and daily life. The status of Islamic religion in the culture and its influence on the formation and development of various institutions in society will be investigated. In addition, the origins and development of sectarianism and the main religious sects in Islamic societies will be discussed. The changing nature of the relationship between religious tradition, political structures, economy and society from the rise of Islam in the seventh century until the post-colonial period in the twentieth century will be highlighted.