Fall 2021

Orthodoxy, Heresy, and Apostasy in Islam

Listed in: Asian Languages and Civilizations, as ASLC-283  |  Religion, as RELI-283

Faculty

Tariq Jaffer (Section 01)

Description

(Offered as RELI 283 and ASLC 283) What is correct Islamic belief and practice? Is there such a thing? Who has been labeled a heretic, unbeliever, or apostate in the history of Islam, and why? How did Muslim “freethinkers” contest Islamic orthodoxies? We will discuss the ways that a wide variety of Muslim sects or denominations developed in the history of Islam. Our objectives are to examine how groups and individuals established, prescribed, or remade standards of Islamic belief and practice; and to examine how they faced the plurality of Muslim sects and other religions. We will pay special attention to the theme of salvation, which shaped the ways that Muslims classified sects and other religions. As we explore the above issues we will read from a range of Islamic discourses, including scripture, theology, law, and mysticism. All readings are in English. Open to all students.

Fall semester. Associate Professor Jaffer.

Students who enroll in this course will likely encounter and be expected to engage in the following intellectual skills, modes of learning, and assessment: Emphasis on written work, readings, and oral presentations. Students with documented disabilities who will require accommodations in this course should be in consultation with Accessibility Services and reach out to the faculty member as soon as possible to ensure that accommodations can be made in a timely manner.
RELI 283 - L/D

Section 01
Tu 03:00 PM - 04:20 PM CHAP 210
Th 03:00 PM - 04:20 PM CHAP 210

Offerings

2024-25: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Spring 2020, Fall 2021