110-215 Islam and Modernity

Usually completion of one Islamic Studies subject or permission from the coordinator.

This subject, which is taught in English, deals with the life and thought of key Muslim intellectuals between 1850-2005. It examines attempts by Muslim men and women from a variety of backgrounds and orientations to come to terms with modernity as a Western project, while addressing critical issues facing Islam. The particular focus is the shaping of identity that is both modern and authentically Muslim. Areas for consideration include: renewal and reform; the impact of colonialism and globalization on Muslim discourse; the implications of independent judgement versus emulation for contemporary ulama; and issues associated with civil society, such as human rights, gender and a free press. In order to demonstrate the diversity of approaches by Muslim thinkers of the period, texts will be selected from a range of sources: traditionalist, modernist, post-modernist, liberal and secular. These may include extracts from the following: Abduh, Rida, Banna, Turabi, Mawdudi, Ghanushi, Qutb, Ahmad Khan, Arkoun, Khurshid Ahmad, Soroush, Mernissi, Hanafi, Mariyam Jameelah, Attas, Faruqi, Fazlur Rahman, Asad, Mutahhari, Khomeini and Shariati.

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

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

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

Assignment 750 words 20% (first half of semester), essay 2500 words 50% (examination period), tutorial journal 750 words, 20%, (examination period), tutorial participation 10% (on going).

• C Kurzman (ed), Liberal Islam: A Source Book. Oxford University Press 1998.
• JL Esposito and JO Voll, Makers of Contemporary Islam. Oxford University Press 2001.