RELS 150 Introduction to Islam

This course explores basic ideas and practices of the Islamic tradition with attention to the socio-historical context of their articulation and reception. Students will examine the historical emergence of Islam focusing on the life and example of the prophet Muhammad and the spread of Islam under the early formation of the caliphate. Drawing on this historical work the course will proceed to an investigation of core practices and theological concepts. This in turn will serve to ground the study of some ways in which Islamic principles and practices have been articulated and institutionalized in the areas of jurisprudence philosophy and mysticism art and architecture gender and sexuality and politics - including contemporary Islamist political thought.