Islam: A Historical Perspective

Designed for both veteran students and newcomers, “Islam: A Historical Perspective” will provide a context from which to understand a faith tradition embraced by almost two billion people. Despite its success as the fastest-growing religion on earth, Islam remains largely misunderstood, particularly in the west, where sweeping stereotypes and fears fueled, in large part, by misinformation, Orientalist constructs, and politically motivated agendas perpetuate a narrative of a “clash of civilizations.”

Through the lens of history, this course examines the origins of Islam, its basic tenets, and its unprecedented expansion, attracting people of many races, ethnicities, and languages on every continent, ultimately coalescing into a mosaic of cultures. It will discuss the meaning of shari’a law, relations with Jews and Christians, and popular perceptions of Islam and the Islamic mystique, as well as the range of viewpoints and complex dynamics among Muslim communities around the world.  

Survey the legacy of the Umayyad, Abbasid, Moorish, Mughal, and Ottoman empires. Join us as we uncover Islam’s enduring cultural, scientific, and creative legacy, particularly its contribution to intellectual history, as both a custodian and interpreter of ancient wisdom, and an innovator in the arts and sciences. Explore the history of the Islamic world in Europe, Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia, from the Alhambra and the Taj Mahal, as well as its impact today, from Timbuktu in Mali to the archipelago of Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country.

During this virtual journey we will seek to understand the evolution of the last great monotheistic religion - as both faith and society – while discussing the cultural nuances and political underpinnings of the worldwide community of Muslims. As the history, spread, and complexity of this last, major monotheistic faith are explored, it is hoped that participants will gain an understanding of the fundamentals of Islam, its growth, and its place among the family of Abrahamic traditions.