Fall 2003

MES 321K • MEDVL ISLAM: FAITH AND HISTORY -W

Course Description

The course introduces undergraduates to the basics of the faith of Islam in the context of key cultural and historiographical issues. Topics include the Prophet Muhammad and his current biographers; the divisions within the community, particularly Shi`ism; conversion to Islam and the treatment of non-Muslims in the Islamic Middle East; the rise of a medieval scholarly class (the ulama); Islamic mysticism (Sufism); and gender as an issue in medieval literature and current historiography

Grading Policy

In addition to shared reading and written reports, students will also undertake one research project which they will present in the last five weeks of the course. Writing comprises 90% of the course grade; (Total of 3 written reports 5-6 pages in length each); (Final research paper 15-20 pages in length).

Texts

To be announced

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