New Fall '08 Religious Studies course!

R370 Islam in America, Jaques 29788 05:45P-08:30P T BH 209

Above course carries Social and Historical distribution.

Since the tragedy of September 11, 2001, American Muslim's have come into national focus. This focus has generated a great deal of interest in American Muslims. This course explores the history and life of Islam and Muslims in the United States. American Muslims are a very diverse and complex group. Students will have an opportunity to understand the ethnic and religious diversity within the American Muslim context. American Muslim's have unique histories and belief's even within each ethnic and religious group.

Divergent opinions on issues gender relations and women's issues, debates about Islam' s role in politics, the role of race and ethnicity and the spirituality of American Muslims. This course will also examine the development of Muslim American institutions and Muslim American civil society. Students will also examine the affect of specific events in American history like September 11, 2001 has had on the American Muslim community. Students will have the opportunity to analyze recent polls and academic surveys that have been conducted to determine the nature of the American Muslim community. Specific national organizations that students will be encouraged to explore further will include the Islamic Society of North America, Islamic Circle of North America, the Nation of Islam, the Ministry of Imam W. D. Muhammad, Council on American Islamic Relations, Muslim Public Affairs Council, Muslim Alliance of North America and the Muslim American Society. At the grassroots level students will meet and study local mosques, Islamic schools as well as other civic institutions established by Muslim Hoosiers.