GLOBAL EXPRESSIONS OF CLASSICAL ISLAM: This course is an introduction to the classical period of Islamic thought, practice, political formations, and cultural expression. Against the backdrop of socio-political and religious configurations of the seventh century, we will examine the advent of Islam and its message to humanity. We will consider key conceptual foundations with an emphasis on their spiritual and practical dimensions. We will also study contested political arrangements and Islamic ideals of governance as well as explore the proliferation of expansive and powerful Muslim states. We will pay special attention to the global diversity of the Muslim community and address the fluorescence of Muslim culture and learning across Afro-Eurasia, including the arts, literature, science, scholarship, commerce, architecture, environmentalism, and more. We will conclude with the impact of these developments upon medieval Europe and survey the lasting effects of Islam as a global faith and culture.
RELIGION 375: Islamic Civilization I
