HST 365 - Rethinking Islam

4 credits
What do we mean when we talk about the “Muslim world”? This class breaks down stereotypes to explore the historical diversity of Muslim societies from the Mediterranean to Southeast Asia. What were the processes by which Islam spread beyond the Middle East? What is Sufism and how do we make sense of its relationship to Shiʿa and Sunni orthodoxies? Did Islamic law operate differently across regions and time periods? How have Muslims made sense of their place in religiously pluralist contexts, and what roles did women and sexual minorities play in these societies? Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing or above.
Grade mode designated on a CRN basis each term. Students should consult current term schedule.