110-222 Islam and Human Rights

In the last half-century, some Muslim governments and their opponents have asserted the need to bring about truly Islamic government. Much of the argument has centred on the need for an Islamic system of human rights. A discourse has developed drawing on ideas unique to Islam expressed in the Qur'an and other religious sources, and on other concepts founded in the universalising ideas of modern international law. These are immediate and powerful issues for governments and oppositions, and also for very many refugees fleeing human rights abuses. This subject focuses on the tensions and contradictions underlying modern Muslim discourse on human rights. It concentrates on the mid-twentieth century to the present, but situates the arguments in the context of the Qur'an and of early Islam. It examines Islamic ideas about human rights and the engagement of Muslims in the debate as theoreticians, lawyers and victims. It discusses the challenge of the modern international human rights discourse and its universalist claims.

• be familiar with research methods; thinking in theoretical and analytical terms;

• understand social, political, historical and cultural contexts and international awareness and openness to the world;

• communicate knowledge intelligibly and economically, confidence in self-expression.

An assignment of 750 words 20% (due mid-semester), an essay of 2500 words 50% (due during the examination period), a tutorial journal of 750 words 20% (due during the examination period) and continuous tutorial participation 10%.

• AE Mayer, Islam and Human Rights: Tradition and Politics. Westview Press 1991.