RELI 3290 - Islamic Movements, Past and Present

Institution:

New College of Florida

Subject:

Religion

Description:

The first part aims to give students the foundations to critically analyze the movements selected as case studies. We will start with an examination of the life of the Prophet of Islam, often claimed as a model by later movements. We will read the entire biography of Prophet Muhammad composed in the 8th and 9th centuries CE. We will pay particular attention at his efforts at socio-political reform and his role as the political leader of a nascent religious community. Relations with other faith groups will also be discussed. We will do a close reading of the Qur'anic verses having to do with war and peace, and their interpretation based on the historical context of the time. We will also examine the development of classical doctrines of jihad in their specific historical contexts. The second part of the course will have us delve into the study of three medieval movements: the Kharijites, the Nizari-Isma'ilis (called Assassins and Hashahsiyun), and the Safavids. We will study each movement by looking at: (1) the movement's context of emergence; (2) its doctrine and goals; (3) its modes of action; and finally (4) its short and long-term impact. The third part of the course will take us to modern movements in the Islamic world. We will examine Wahhabism in Saudi Arabia, the notorious Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, Hizbullah in Lebanon, and culminate with a close examination of the ideology of the modern Jihadist groups al-Qa'ida and ISIS. We will study and apply Social Movement Theory to these movements. The selection of movements demonstrates both the diversity of Islamic religio-political activism(s) - examining both Sunni, Shi'a, and other movements -- and the strong link between each movement and the social environment in which it emerged. The movements selected are chosen for their long-term impact and influence on society and politics, as well as their militant character (i.e., we will not be studying the many Sufi movements present in the Islamic world). Beyond exposing students to the diversity and features of Islamic militant movements, the course introduces students to a critical reading of primary sources from these periods in English translation, often written by the founders of the movements, in order to gain an insider perspective that goes beyond the analyses found in the secondary scholarship. Finally yet importantly, we will critically look at media portrayal of these movements.

Credits:

4.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.ncf.edu

Phone Number:

(941) 487-5000

Regional Accreditation:

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Four-one-four plan

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