REL 121 - Introduction to Islam through Film

An introduction to the rise and formation of Islam as a prophetic religious tradition, this course is intended to highlight the manifold expressions of Muslim life through diverse historical, cultural, and geographical contexts. We examine the emergence of Islam in late antiquity and study the development of Muslim intellectual traditions and sociopolitical institutions. To do so, this course integrates the medium of film in order to ground conversations on themes such as ritual practice, gender, and diverse regional and national practices of Islam as a lived religion. In addition to readings that build historical and content knowledge, students can expect to watch at least one filmic media piece (including documentary, narrative, or short films) each week. Three broad aims of the course: 1) to provide students with basic knowledge of Islamic history, belief, and ritual life; and 2) to equip students with knowledge for critically and actively analyzing discussions of Islam in media and contemporary world events; and 3) to do so especially by learning and applying techniques of filmic analysis, using films as an opportunity to engage with diverse representations of Islam.

Unit(s): 1
Group Distribution Requirement(s): Distribution Group II
Instructional Method: Conference
Grading Mode: Letter grading (A-F)
Group Distribution Learning Outcome(s):

Evaluate data and/or sources.
Analyze institutions, formations, languages, structures, or processes, whether social, political, religious, economic, cultural, intellectual or other.
Think in sophisticated ways about causation, social and/or historical change, human cognition, or the relationship between individuals and society, or engage with social, political, religious or economic theory in other areas.