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Exploring Muslim Cultures: Level II
The dates and timing of this course will be announced in early 2009. Please continue to check our website for details, or contact us at ismc.shortcourses@aku.edu.
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. Participants wishing to take Level II must have completed Level I. However, participants who, through prior study or experience of Muslim cultures, have developed a sufficient understanding of the issues that will be discussed in Level II are welcome to apply.
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
Course objectives
At the end of the Course, participants will be:
- Familiar with some basic concepts in the study of Muslim history: e.g. the Quran, Hadith, Sharia, Shia, Sunni, Khalifa, Imam, Ummah, Masjid etc
- Able to articulate an elementary understanding of the political history of Muslims: major dynasties, political transformations, critical events, basic chronology
- Familiar with historical as well as contemporary internal diversity among Muslims vis-à-vis law, doctrines, languages, dress, art etc
- Able to appreciate some of the key modern challenges in Muslim contexts
- Acquainted with intellectual resources for further exploration of Muslim cultures: bibliography, websites, reference works etc
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. However, participants who, through prior study or experience of Muslim cultures, have developed a sufficient understanding of the issues that will be discussed in Level II are welcome to apply.
Session topics
Level II (12 hours, six sessions)
- Quran and Sira in Muslim Imagination of the Sacred
- Pathways to Sufism
- Art, Philosophy and Literature II
- Muslim interactions with other religions
- Muslims in South Asia
- Muslims in Europe
Registration
Application details and course dates for Exploring Muslim Cultures: Level I will be announced in early 2009.
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 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.
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