Course Descriptions
Islamic Studies Courses
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ISLM 2050 Introduction to Islam
ISLM 2050 Introduction to Islam
Credit Hours: 3
This course provides a deep understanding of the basic tenets of the Islamic faith, explaining them in the context of Islam's organic development and its prospects for continued evolution as it faces modern challenges. The course will examine Islam as a way of life, a belief structure, an intellectual environment, a cultural phenomenon, and a mode of social interaction.
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ISLM 3100 Creative Islam
ISLM 3100 Creative Islam
Credit Hours: 3
Addresses key developments in Islamic music, architecture, art, calligraphy, poetry, cuisine, fashion, and forms of protest expressions. Examines the various expressions of creativity within the Islamic world. The course focuses on the various disciplines such as art, calligraphy (musical writing), psalmology/ tajweed (recital with rhythm), architecture, ethnomusicology, poetry and more. It also draws attention to the values that Islam promotes and to the major issues commonly discussed in academic and/or public circles.
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ISLM 3150 Advanced Business
ISLM 3150 Advanced Business
Credit Hours: 3
An advanced level of business language study designed to increase precision and diminish Anglicism's in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Advanced cultural themes are an integral part of course themes and vocabulary.
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ISLM 3200 Modern Debates in Islam
ISLM 3200 Modern Debates in Islam
Credit Hours: 3
A course designed to allow students to integrate critical perspectives encountered in Islamic Studies courses. Interest will focus on the application of selected concepts, theories and paradigms of inquiry to controversial issues in contemporary Islamic Studies. Students design and complete an individual culminating project involving service-learning and scholarly research on a relevant topic from the contemporary or historical Muslim experience. Topics will include inter alia, jihad, ijtihad, hijab, hilal, halal, gender, satire, and creative arts such as music and dance.
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ISLM 3300 Islam in America
ISLM 3300 Islam in America
Credit Hours: 3
This course covers both the historical development of Islam in North America and thematic issues of relevance in our contemporary moment. It takes a broad historical sweep, starting from pre-modern empires, moving through the first centuries of settler-colonial nations, and post 9/11 realities. The course will facilitate questions about religious devotion, authority, and community while also giving attention to the way 鈥淚slam鈥� and 鈥淢uslim鈥� are social concepts that can create structural inequalities, dehumanization, and fuel warfare. There is also attention to gender and the diversity of Muslim racial identity, geography, and experience.
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ISLM 3990 Advanced Arabic Culture
ISLM 3990 Advanced Arabic Culture
Credit Hours: 1 TO 3
An advanced level of language study which focuses on contemporary cultural themes presented in varying art forms including film, theater, music and the visual arts.
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ISLM 4100 Classical Islam
ISLM 4100 Classical Islam
Credit Hours: 3
A survey of primary, secondary, and tertiary sources for Islamic ethico-legal interpretations and how they could be of use in understanding and reinterpreting contemporary practices. Interest will focus on the disciplined methods of understanding the Quran and Muhammadan paradigm and the Shari'ah that evolved and continues to evolve from interpretive sources.
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ISLM 4200 Contemporary Islam
ISLM 4200 Contemporary Islam
Credit Hours: 3
Explores the multiple interpretations of Muslims in a post-911 global village with special emphasis on Muslims in North America. Interest focuses on the multiple identities that emerged and the many adaptations made by Muslims to explain the future of Islam as a religion and its role in the world. The course will provide opportunity to read some of the most interesting and significant writing on contemporary issues by Muslim intellectuals.
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ISLM 4800 Topics in Islamic Studies
ISLM 4800 Topics in Islamic Studies
Credit Hours: 3
Topic will vary with the instructor and semester offered, but will involve an in-depth examination of major aspects of Muslim and Islamic experience, e.g., Spirituality, Finance, Ethics, Ecology, Science, Gender, Law, and History.
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ISLM 4950 Directed Study
ISLM 4950 Directed Study
Credit Hours: 3
Involves research in selected topics under the direction of a faculty member, and may include travel/study abroad.
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ISLM 4980 Internship
ISLM 4980 Internship
Credit Hours: 3
Supervised by a faculty member, students research and synthesize issues and ideas using concepts, theories and skills obtained in their coursework while working with an Islamic-centered organization (e.g., think tank, bank, free clinic or study center). A term paper and regular journaling is required in addition to evaluation from the institution where the student interns.