Islamic Society and Politics

ISA Meknes Study Center

Course Description

  • Course Name

    Islamic Society and Politics

  • Host University

    ISA Meknes Study Center

  • Location

    Meknes, Morocco

  • Area of Study

    African Studies, Anthropology, International Relations, International Studies, Middle Eastern Studies, Political Science, Religion, Sociology

  • Language Level

    Taught In English

  • Prerequisites

    Availability of courses is based on enrollment numbers. All students should seek pre-approval for alternate courses in the event of last minute class cancellations.

  • Course Level Recommendations

    Upper

    ISA offers course level recommendations in an effort to facilitate the determination of course levels by credential evaluators.We advice each institution to have their own credentials evaluator make the final decision regrading course levels.

    Hours & Credits

  • Credits

    3
  • Recommended U.S. Semester Credits
    3
  • Recommended U.S. Quarter Units
    4
  • Overview

    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.

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