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RELS 308 World of Islam

Islam is the second largest world religion today, yet the least understood of any. This course will begin with Muhammad and the historical origins, pre-modern history, and key teachings of Islam as found primarily in the Quran. We will also consider major historical developments such as the division between the Sunni and Shia branches of the religion, in addition to the vital contributions of Islamic theology, law and mysticism (Sufism). In the second half of the semester we will address issues involving Islam in the modern period--for example, "fundamentalism" or revivalism, neo-revivalism, "religion and politics" in various countries, Islam in the West, and Islam as perceived in the West. Attention will also be given to Muslim ideas and practices regarding sexuality and gender as well as racial, ethnic and class issues.
4 Undergraduate credits

Effective January 7, 2002 to present

Meets graduation requirements for

Learning outcomes

General

  • Acquire a basic knowledge of the history, scripture, practices and beliefs, and modern applications of Islam in various settings.
  • Become conversant with important aspects of Islam as a global religion in the world.
  • Gain competence in reading and interpreting the Quran both carefully and creatively.
  • Recognize and be able to articulate some of the cultural, linguistic, and social differences among modern Muslims.
  • Understand the dynamics between Islam and some of the cultural and historical contexts in which it has been and is situated.

Minnesota Transfer Curriculum

Goal 6: The Humanities and Fine Arts

  • Demonstrate awareness of the scope and variety of works in the arts and humanities.
  • Understand those works as expressions of individual and human values within a historical and social context.
  • Respond critically to works in the arts and humanities.
  • Engage in the creative process or interpretive performance.
  • Articulate an informed personal reaction to works in the arts and humanities.

Goal 8: Global Perspective

  • Describe and analyze political, economic, and cultural elements which influence relations of states and societies in their historical and contemporary dimensions.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of cultural, social, religious and linguistic differences.
  • Analyze specific international problems, illustrating the cultural, economic, and political differences that affect their solution.
  • Understand the role of a world citizen and the responsibility world citizens share for their common global future.

Summer 2025

Section Title Instructor books eservices
50 World of Islam Dameh, Bilal A Hamidi, Marjan Books for RELS-308-50 Summer 2025 Course details for RELS-308-50 Summer 2025

Fall 2025

Section Title Instructor books eservices
50 World of Islam Dameh, Bilal A Hamidi, Marjan Books for RELS-308-50 Fall 2025 Course details for RELS-308-50 Fall 2025
51 World of Islam Dameh, Bilal A Hamidi, Marjan Books for RELS-308-51 Fall 2025 Course details for RELS-308-51 Fall 2025

Spring 2026

Section Title Instructor books eservices
50 World of Islam Dameh, Bilal A Hamidi, Marjan Books for RELS-308-50 Spring 2026 Course details for RELS-308-50 Spring 2026