Introduction to Islamic Law * (ET-640) ONLINE COURSE
Online beginning week of Monday, January 28

This course will provide a critical overview of the history and practice of Islamic law. We begin by examining the origins of Islamic law, the development of the classical schools of jurisprudence and the nature of pre-modern legal institutions, especially the courts and madrasa education. In following classes, we will explore the substance of classical Islamic law, especially in the areas of family, finance and international relations. Next, we will discuss the impact of colonialism and modernity on Islamic legal discourses and institutions and finish with a discussion of the way in which Islamic law is observed in contemporary America. Ingrid Mattson, Professor of Islamic Studies and Christian-Muslim Relations

Introduction to Arabic Morphology and Syntax (LG-581)   
Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:15 to 6:25 PM., beginning January 28

A continuation of LG-580, Introduction to Arabic Phonology and Script. Prerequisite: LG-580 or permission of the instructor. Steven Blackburn, Faculty Associate in Semitic Scriptures

Islam in Iraq, Pakistan and India * (HI-636)   NEW
Thursdays from 7 to 9:20 PM beginning January 31

This course explores the different forms of Islam in three very different parts of the world. In Pakistan, Muslims are overwhelmingly in the majority; in India, Muslims are a minority; and in Iraq, Muslims are having to cope with war and the continuing presence of Allied troops. The colonial history and the emergence of these states will be explored. Students will be given the opportunity to reflect on the challenges facing the Muslim communities in these countries. Ibrahim Abu-Rabi, Professor of Islamic Studies and Christian-Muslim Relations

Concepts of the Afterlife in the Qur’an and Hadith* (SC-623) NEW View Syllabus
Thursdays from 4:30 to 6:50 PM, beginning January 31

A consideration of the Islamic eschatological narrative as presented in the Qur’an, beginning with the death of the individual and ending with habitation in the final abodes of the Garden or the Fire. We will look at how this narrative is supplemented by Islamic tradition, and how it compares in its general outline with the concepts of life after death in the scriptures of other religious traditions of the world. Note: This is an intermediate graduate level course. Successful completion of one previous course in Islam or permission of the instructor is required. Jane I. Smith, Professor of Islamic Studies and Christian-Muslim Relations

For complete course information, syllabi, and registration information, please visit http://www.hartsem.edu/academic/courses.htm.

Proposed courses:

• Building Abrahamic Partnerships DI-650 (Landau), January 13-20
• The Practical Dynamics of counseling American Muslims AM-651, January 14-18, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Adjunct)

 

For more information, visit http://www.hartsem.edu/academic/courses.htm.