Introduction to Islam

Islam is the second largest religion in the world, and soon will be the second in the United States. This course will familiarize students with the diversity of religious beliefs and practices in Islam, not only as a religion but as a civilization that is part of the contemporary world. Themes to be discussed include the birth and expansion of Islam from the Arabian peninsula to North Africa, Europe, Central Asia, and the U.S., the life and message of the prophet Muhammad, the Quran, Islamic law, Sunni and Shiite branches of Islam, Islamic mysticism (Sufism), and Islam’s relationship with other religions. This course satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement in Humanistic Foundations.

St. Mary’s College of Maryland reserves the right to provide some or all of the course content through alternative methods of course delivery, including remote methods of delivery, and it reserves the right to change the method of delivery at any time before or during the academic term, in the event of a health or safety emergency or similar situation when it determines, in its sole discretion, that such change is necessary and in the best interests of the College and the campus community.