This course provides a new understanding to the study of Islam. It examines the fundamental texts, core rituals, and major schools and traditions of religious thought and practice that emerged throughout the centuries following the rise of Islam and up to the modern era. The course also introduces students to most recent and important sources and academic resources for studying Islam. The course’s goal is to help students fully comprehend Islam’s the core concepts, doctrines, rituals, and ideas and how important they have been to Muslims throughout history.

At the same time, it aims to provide students with the resources they need to conduct independent research on Islamic religious issues and further push study in the area. To accomplish this, the course investigates the historical contexts in which important aspects of Islam first appeared, emphasizes how they have evolved and changed over time, and demonstrates their function and importance for Muslims up to the modern era. To acquaint themselves with some of the key sources and scholarly tools for the study of Islam, students will also compile a literature review on a specific topics as part of their examination.