Islamic Society and Politics

USF Code: INR 4931

Course Description:

The main objective of this class is to explore and deconstruct the Islamic mindset, as well as to analyze how religion and culture have shaped Islamic identity. To attain this objective, the Quran and Hadiths are the major texts the class will constantly refer to both as the cornerstones of Islam, but also as open texts for debate and reinterpretation. 

The class also explores some of the most influential and significant Muslim scholars whose works have shaped Islamic thought and society in modern times. These range from the Salafi movement, the Muslim Brotherhood, the fundamentalists to the liberal and postmodern Muslim thinkers. 

The class addresses how western modernity and globalization have considerably influenced Islamic society today in vital sectors, such as democracy, human rights, individual freedom and how these external influences have introduced new values ( feminism, youth culture, civil society…) and also disrupted old structures ( patriarchy, absolute rule, religious authority…). 

The ultimate objective of this class is to introduce students to the real and massive dynamics the Islamic world is witnessing and to challenge the readymade conceptions and stereotypes that are applied from outside with, sometimes, a very little knowledge of the complexity and diversity of the Islamic world.  

Course Objectives:

• Provide students with a holistic knowledge of Islamic culture and religion.
• Introduce students to the many faces of Islamic society.
• Study the external and internal factors behind the political upheavals in the Arab world.
• Help students develop an intercultural and knowledgeable mindset. 

For a full course syllabus, please contact the ISA Meknes Site Specialist.