Political Theol: Case of Islam

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Undergraduate

This course looks to theology for insight into Muslim views on politics and the good society. How is God’s rule to be represented in the polity, especially when governance has taken different forms over the centuries (dynastic, democratic, caliphal, sultanic, etc.)? Certainly, Muslims, like all peoples, pursue ideals and interests within the concrete realities of history, but there have also been recurring even if varied patterns in Muslim thinking on the nature and purpose of rule. We will proceed by considering both perennial themes but also case studies from both the classical past and contemporary present. For undergraduates, course requirements include two short papers and a final research paper.