Course Description:
Islam the last of the three Abrahamic religions emerged in the 7th
century A.D. in Arabia. From there it spread to the entire Arab
World and adjacent regions. Today it is one of the fastest growing
religions in the world with more than a billion followers living on all
six continents in various political and cultural contexts. While in
principle adhering to the same faith Muslims have come to
interpret parts of their belief system differently. The main
theological division in Islam is between Sunni and Shia
interpretations. Muslims also differ on the relationship between
state and religion. On one hand Islamists insist that Islam’s
message can only be actualized through a state based on what
they consider to be divine laws; on the other hand ordinary
Muslims do not condition the practicing of the faith on the existing
of such a state. This disagreement on the relationship between
state and religion is at the heart of many political conflicts in
countries with Muslim majorities.
This course is divided into three parts: the first provides an
overview of the main principles of Islam and historical events that
have come to shape Muslims’ perception(s) of their faith and
history; the second part compares manifestations of Sunni
political Islam to expressions of Shia political Islam with a special
focus on the Muslim Brotherhood and Hizbullah. The third part
covers some aspects of the encounter of Muslim communities in
western countries with the cultures and political institutions of
these countries.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this course students will be able to:
-Describe the main premises of the Islamic faith.
-Discuss the main characteristics and goals of political Islam as a
political movement.
-Explain the differences between Sunni political Islam and Shia
political Islam.
-Evaluate the contribution of various ideologues to the rise of
political Islam.
-Explore the prospects of political Islam
-Analyze the impact of the encounter between Western
expansionism and Muslim-majority societies on the rise of political
Islam.
Assignments and Grading Policy:
-One short paper (4-6 pages). The paper should compare the
position of Shia “political” Islam to its Sunni counterpart on at
least two issues highlighting and explaining their similarities and
differences. The paper will account for 20% of the total grade. The
paper is due on September 27.
-Class participation: Students are expected to do the readings
before coming to class and to actively participate in class
discussions. Each student is expected to come to class with at
least two questions on the readings. Class participation will
account for 20% of the total grade.
-Take-Home Exam: Students will have to answer two essay
questions over a weekend. Each answer should be 2-3 pages.
This assignment will count for 20% of the final grade.
-Final paper: The final paper (8-10 pages) should address a
research question. In other words, the paper has to be analytical
not only descriptive. Students need to make arguments supported
by evidence not just personal statements. Students are allowed to
use only academic sources (books and journal articles). They
should consult at least 7 academic sources in writing the final
paper. The paper is due on the last day of class, but students
should email the instructor their research questions and outlines
no later than the end of the tenth week. The final paper will
account for 40% of the total grade and is due on December 6.
Assessment Rubric:
Students’ papers will be assessed according to the following
criteria:
-Organization (30%):
-Title page: should include the title of the paper, student’s name
and ID number, and course title.
-Introduction: should state the purpose of the paper, highlight the
research question and the thesis statement, and an overview of
the remainder sections of the paper.
-Literature review/Contexts: provides an overview of the different
positions while showing its strengths and weaknesses and relates
them to the student’s argument.
-Method/Approach: in this section students should explain the
approach or method used in trying to answer the research
question.
-Bibliography: lists the sources used in writing the paper
Delivery (20%):
-Students should express their ideas in a coherent and clear
manner. They should avoid too many simple grammar and
spelling mistakes by running a spelling and grammar check
before submitting their paper. Students can also consult the
writing center.
Content (50%):
The focus here will be primarily on students’ analyses and
arguments and to a lesser degree on the background information.
Attendance, Preparation, and Class Participation:
-Your attendance and active participation are critical to your
success in this class. If you have a legitimate excuse (illness,
family emergency, etc.), contact me before class via email. Please
keep in mind that this is an intensive course thus missing more
than three sessions will probably affect your final grade
significantly.
-You are also responsible for finding out any assignments that you
missed so that you arrive fully prepared for the next class.
-Arrive on time; class begins promptly at 12:35. Late arrivals
disrupt the class, no matter how quietly you enter.
-Do the readings before coming to class. Use the questions in
each section as guidelines.
-Complete all assignments and turn them in on time. You must
type (double-space) all your work for this class. Use 12-point type
and an easy-to-read font.
Late papers policy: Late papers will not be returned to you with
written comments.. Late papers will lower your final grade onehalf
grade for each day late (A to A-, etc.). Please plan
accordingly.
Classroom Etiquette: Arrive on time. Turn cell phones off. Return
from break on time. Listen carefully to your colleagues’ comments
and express your disagreements with them and/or with the
instructor in a respectful manner.
This is a tentative version. You will be informed of any
changes made.
Course Schedule:
August 21:
Introduction: What is the course about?
August 23:
The Birth of Islam:
Turner, Colin (2006), Islam: The Basics, New York: Routledge,
Chapter: 2 and 4
August 28:
Islam and the Challenge of Modernity:
Turner, Colin (2006), Islam: The Basics, New York: Routledge,
Chapter: 7
Rippin, Andrew (2007) (ed) Defining Islam: A Reader, London:
Equinox, Chapter: 1 and 2
August 30:
Ayoob, Mohamed (2007), The Many Faces of Political Islam:
Religion and Politics in the Muslim World, Michigan University
Press, Chapters: 1 and 2 (library online)
September 6:
Eickelman, Dale and Piscatori (2004), Muslim Politics, Princeton:
Princeton University Press, Chapters: 1 and 2
September 11: The Arab Shia:
Eickelman, Dale and Piscatori (2004), Muslim Politics, Princeton:
Princeton University Press, Chapter: 3.
Fuller, Graham and Francke, Rahim (1999), The Arab Shi’a: The
Forgotten Muslims, New York: St. Martin Press, Chapter: 1 and 2.
September 13:
Islamist States and Islamist Opposition:
Ayoob, Mohamed (2007), The Many Faces of Political Islam:
Religion and Politics in the Muslim World, Michigan University
Press, Chapters: 3 (Library online)
Hegghammer, Thomas (2010), Jihad in Saudi Arabia: Violence
and Pan-Islamism since 1979, Cambridge: Cambridge University
Press, Chapter: 7
September 18:
Afary, Janet (2009), Sexual Politics in Modern Iran, Cambridge:
Cambridge University Press, Chapters: 9 and 10
Karam, Azza (1998), Women, Islamisms and the State:
Contemporary Feminism in Egypt, New York: St. Martin Press, pp.
176-186, 192-197,
September 20:
Muslim Democracies:
Ayoob, Mohamed (2007), The Many Faces of Political Islam:
Religion and Politics in the Muslim World, Michigan University
Press, Chapter 5 (Library online)
Kuru, Ahmet and Stepan, Alfred (2012), Democracy, Islam and
Secularism in Turkey, New York: Columbia University Press,
Chapter: 4
September 25:
Political Islam and the United States: A Historical Overview:
Kumar, Deepa (2012), Islamophobia and the Politics of Empire,
Chicago: Hatmarket Books, chapter: 4
September 27:
Muslim Brotherhood: Ideologues and Texts:
Euben, Roxanne and Zaman, Muhammad (2009) (eds.) Princeton
Readings in Islamist Thought: Texts and Contexts from Al-Banna
to Bin Laden, Princeton: Princeton University Press, Chapters: 2
and 5
Meijer, Roel and Bakker, Edwin (2012) (eds.) The Muslim
Brotherhood in Europe, New York: Columbia University Press,
Chapter: 12
October 2:
The Muslim Brotherhood in the Arab World:
Rubin, Barry (2010) (ed.) The Muslim Brotherhood: The
Organization and Policies of a Global Islamist Movement, New
York: Palgrave, Chapters: 4 and 5
Shehata, Samir (2012) (ed.) Islamist Politics in the Middle East:
Movements and Change, New York: Routledge, Chapter: 4
October 4:
The Muslim Brotherhood in the West:
Meijer, Roel and Bakker, Edwin (2012) (eds.) The Muslim
Brotherhood in Europe, New York: Columbia University Press,
Chapters: 5 and 6
Rubin, Barry (2010) (ed.) The Muslim Brotherhood: The
Organization and Policies of a Global Islamist Movement, New
York: Palgrave, Chapters: 10 and 11
October 9:
The Jihadist Turn: Ideologues and Texts
Euben, Roxanne and Zaman, Muhammad (2009) (eds.) Princeton
Readings in Islamist Thought: Texts and Contexts from Al-Banna
to Bin Laden, Princeton: Princeton University Press, Chapters: 13,
14 and 18
October 11:
The Jihadist Turn: Organizations and Activities (1):
Volpi, Frederic (2011) (ed.) Political Islam: A Critical Reader, New
York: Routledge, Chapters: 6.1, and 6.2
Gergez, Fawaz (2011), The Rise and Fall of Al Qaeda, Oxford:
Oxford University Press, Chapter: 1
October 16:
The Jihadist Turn: Organizations and Activities (2):
Gergez, Fawaz (2016), ISIS: A HISTORY, Princeton: Princeton
University Press, Chapters ,1, 2 and 8
October 18:
Shia Revival: Ideologues and Texts:
Euben, Roxanne and Zaman, Muhammad (2009) (eds.) Princeton
Readings in Islamist Thought: Texts and Contexts from Al-Banna
to Bin Laden, Princeton: Princeton University Press, Chapters: 6,
7 and 16
October 23:
Shia Revival: Institutions and networks:
Louer, Laurence (2012), Shiism and Politics in the Middle East,
New York: Columbia University Press, Chapters: 1 and 2
October 25:
Hizbullah: Creation and positions:
Norton, Augustus Richard (2007) Hezbollah: A Short History,
Princeton: Princeton University Press, Chapters: 2 and 5
October 30:
Hizbullah: Texts and International/ Regional relations:
Qassem, Naim (2005) Hizbullah: The Story From Within, London:
Saqi Books, Chapter 6
Noe, Nicholas (2007), Voice of Hizbollah: The Statements of
Sayyd Hassan Nasrallah, London: Verso, Chapters: 8, 10, 25
November 1:
Hizbullah: Institutions and Women:
Deeb, Lara (2006), An Enchanted Modern: Gender and Public
Piety in Shi’I Lebanon, Princeton: Princeton University Press,
Chapter: 6
Beinin, Joel and Vairel, Frederic (2011) (eds.), Social Movements,
Mobilization and Contestation in the Middle East and North Africa,
Stanford: Stanford University Press, Chapter: 8
November 6:
Muslims in Europe:
Haddad, Yvonne (2002) (ed.) Muslims in the West: From
Sojourners to Citizens, New York: Oxford University Press,
Chapter: 10
Fetzer, Joel and Soper, Christopher (2004), Muslims and the
State in Britain, France and Germany, Cambridge: Cambridge
University Press, Chapter: 5
November 8:
Muslims in North America (1):
Hammer, Juliane and Safi, Omid (2013) (eds.), The Cambridge
Companion to American Islam, Cambridge: Cambridge University
Press, Chapters: 4,6 and 10. (Library online)
November 13:
Pakistan (1)
Deviji, Faisal (2013). Muslim Zion: Pakistan as an Idea. Harvard:
Harvard University Press, Chapters: 1 and 3
November 15:
Pakistan (2)
Deviji, Faisal (2013). Muslim Zion: Pakistan as an Idea. Harvard:
Harvard University Press, Chapter:6
November 27:
Afghanistan (1)
Hassan, Abbas (2014) The Taliban Revival: Violence and
Extremism on the Pakistan-Afghanistan Frontier, Yale University
Press, Chapters:3 and 4
November 29:
Afghanistan (2)
Hassan, Abbas (2014) The Taliban Revival: Violence and
Extremism on the Pakistan-Afghanistan Frontier, Yale University
Press, Chapters: 7 and 8
December 4:
Political Islam beyond the Middle East:
Soares, Benjamin (2007) (ed.), Islam and Muslim Politics in
Africa, New York: Palgrave, Chapter: 9.
Brinkel, Theo and Ait-Hida, Soumia (2012), “Boko Haram and
JJihad in Nigeria,” Scientia Militaria, South African Journal of
Military Studies, 40/2, pp.1-21.
Al-Rasheed, Madawi (2008) (ed.), Kingdom Without Borders:
Saudi Arabia’s Political, Religious and Media Frontiers, New York:
Columbia University Press, Chapter: 12
December 6:
The Future of Political Islam:
Meijer, Roel (2014)(ed.) Global Salafism: Islam’s new Religious
Movement, New York: Columbia University Press, 1,3 and 4.
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences’ academic policies and
deadlines are available at:
http://www.ucdenver.edu/academics/colleges/CLAS/
Documents/pdf/CLASAcademicPolicies.pdf
(Links to an external site.)
