RLST065 CM - Contemporary Issues in the Study of Islam

Many contemporary scholars of Islamic Studies lament that the study of Islam is hampered by both religious and political forces. Through a focused examination of the history of the study of Islam in European and North American academies-including Orientalism and its critiques-this course will assess the merit of this claim while isolating what those forces might be. We will examine three specific areas of contemporary scholarship-violence, gender, and modernity-to situate scholarly arguments, ascertain how scholars are making their arguments, and think through what they might be arguing against. We will also examine materials advocating for reform of Islamic Studies, envisioning what a shift in disciplinary boundaries might look like.

Offered: Every other year

Credit: 1

Course Number: RLST065 CM