IJC 106 Introduction to Islamic Thought
The field of Islamic Thought includes the disciplines of Islamic theology, political thought, philosophy, law, ethics, exegesis, mysticism, and subjects such as historiography and heresiography. In this course, students explore the broad contours of these disciplines in classical, medieval, pre-modern, and modern periods. This enables them to carry out advanced research in more narrowly defined areas of specialization. Students examine the religious basis and pillars of Muslim thought, including the Qurʾan and the Prophetic tradition, and the engagement of Muslim intellectuals with these foundations and other intellectual traditions. They draw connections between theoretical developments and themes in various intellectual disciplines and contemporary events in the Islamic world, including the emergence of modern Islamic republics, the rise of Islamism in its political and militant forms, the Arab Spring, and contemporary theological and legal debates between Muslims.
Learning Outcomes
Review, present, interpret and evaluate various arguments, assumptions and concepts related to Islamic thought and its academic study.
Explain various Muslim intellectual debates in historical contexts and identify their relevance for key contemporary issues.
Express information, arguments, theses, and analyses accurately and clearly in both written and oral forms to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
Demonstrate skills in library research and building a bibliography, and use standard conventions of style for scholarly writing.
Distinguish between different intellectual disciplines and genres of Islamic texts.
Demonstrate a sufficient understanding of trends in Islamic thought and their impact on contemporary societies.
Critically evaluate the influence of non-Muslim civilizations (e.g., Western, etc.) on contemporary Islamic thought.
Use evidence-based research to support and critique their and others’ analysis of aspects of Islamic thought.
Critically assess their own and others’ views or approaches to Islamic thought, taking a self-directed approach toward identifying their learning needs.
Evaluate, explain, and use diverse theoretical ideas and methods developed in the fields of religious studies and Islamic studies to understand Islamic thought.