Religion 236 - Introduction to Sufism

Institution:

Bard College

Subject:

Description:

Middle Eastern Studies Sufism is one of the most important philosophical and theological movements within the world of Islam. While primarily known for their production of mystical poetry and achievement of ecstatic states, Sufis have produced a unified system of belief and interpretation that both transgresses and defines the boundaries of the Islamic religious tradition. This course examines some of the central ideas of Sufism, such as the nature of the relationships between God and humanity and God and His creation, and the implication of these relationships for the process by which the Sufi hopes to achieve closeness or even union with God. The historical developments of the Sufi orders, and their social and political role in Islamic history are also explored. As far as possible, translations of original Sufi texts make up the majority of the course readings.

Credits:

4.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.bard.edu

Phone Number:

(845) 758-6822

Regional Accreditation:

Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Semester

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