Exploring Muslim Cultures: Level I

This general survey course will provide participants with an overview of Muslim cultures within a humanistic and civilisational approach, exploring cultures of Muslims as part of broader human cultural history. Both key historical developments and major contemporary concerns will be covered. Particular emphasis will be given to the seamless integration of past and present by bringing out the dialectical relationship between contemporary issues and historical developments.

• Course description
• Who should attend?
• Course objectives
• Timetable
• Session topics
• Registration and application deadline
• Preliminary readings
• Resources for further studies
• Course venue

Course description

Exploring Muslim Cultures aims to provide participants with an overview of Muslim cultures, past and present, using a broadly conceived humanistic and civilisational approach. It aims to illuminate contemporary issues by drawing upon pertinent historical developments. It will provide participants with a concise and well-rounded introduction to Muslim civilisations by giving attention to political as well as intellectual and social history. Topics will include the historical development of Islam, law and Muslim societies, art and architecture, the impact of colonialism, development, educational and intellectual life. Through this multidisciplinary approach, it is hoped that the course will help participants to be able to assess Muslim cultures within the complex and diverse contexts in which they have developed.

Exploring Muslim Cultures is a two-part course, consisting of Level I and Level II. However, participants may select to take Level I as a standalone course. Participants wishing to take Level II must have completed Level I.

Who should attend?

AKU-ISMC is non-denominational and welcomes participants of all backgrounds. This course would be especially beneficial for:

• Professionals working in any field
• Those with an interest in the study of Muslim cultures
• Postgraduate students who wish to broaden their understanding through the humanities
• Journalists, educators, diplomats, government employees and NGO personnel.

Timetable

Level I (November 2008)

• Duration: 7 weeks (4 November – 16 December)
• Day and time: Tuesdays 6:00 – 8:00pm

Session topics

Level I (14 hours, seven sessions)

1. The shaping of the Muslim world: Heritage of the past and issues of the present
2. Internal diversity, past and present
3. The architectural and artistic heritage of Muslim societies
4. Early legal and theological debates and their ramifications today
5. Contemporary predicaments and possibilities I: Politics and culture
6. Contemporary Predicaments and Possibilities II: Economics and development
7. Contemporary Predicaments and Possibilities III: Issues in education

Course objectives

At the end of the Course, participants will be:

1. Familiar with some basic concepts in the study of Muslim history: e.g. the Quran, Hadith, Sharia, Shia, Sunni, Khalifa, Imam, Ummah, Masjid etc
2. Able to articulate an elementary understanding of the political history of Muslims: major dynasties, political transformations, critical events, basic chronology
3. Familiar with historical as well as contemporary internal diversity among Muslims vis-à-vis law, doctrines, languages, dress, art etc
4. Able to appreciate some of the key modern challenges in Muslim contexts
5. Acquainted with intellectual resources for further exploration of Muslim cultures: bibliography, websites, reference works etc

Level I will be taken by all students. Level II will be available to students who are interested in deepening their knowledge of Muslim cultures and involves a more in-depth focus on history and on contemporary situations. Successful completion of Level I is a prerequisite for entry to Level II.

Registration

The application deadline for Exploring Muslim Cultures: Level I has passed.

Resources for further studies

Even at their best, survey courses can only provide a basic and simplified understanding of Muslim cultures, past and present. The real success of such courses lies not in what and how much content they are able to cover, but in their ability to inspire participants to continue their exploration through self study and further courses. All participants will be supplied with an annotated bibliography, list of internet resources, maps and chronological tables as well as information about courses available if they wish to continue their study.

Course venue

All short courses are held at AKU-ISMC's premises at 4 – 5 Bedford Square, London, WC1B 3RA. The Institute's premises are situated in the heart of London, convenient to many forms of transport and other educational facilities, including the British Museum, British Library and University of London. For more information about coming to the Institute, please contact us.