Modern Trends in Islamic Thought

Course Objective 

The student is able to identify some of the main theories and philosophies that shaped the foundation for the current trends of thinking. Most of these trends have direct influence on the interpretation and hermeneutics of the Qur’an, as well as on legal thinking (fiqh). 
 
The student knows some of the main works discussing these trends and has learned to consult these works independently as well as use them for future research projects (papers, presentations etc.). 

Course Content 

The course aims at presenting some of the most influential historical and religious developments that are shaping the current contemporary debates and modes of thinking within the Muslim World. Consequently, this course also aims at helping you to think about how to position certain trends within the current social, religious or cultural contexts. 

 Additional Information Teaching Methods 

This course will be taught via Canvas on line. Students are expected to attend class virtually by logging in via the link sent to each of the registered students beforehand. The class starts and ends at the times designated in the VU schedule. Students are expected to have access to a solid internet connection and a device that allows them to hear the lectures and contribute to discussions. 
 
Although this class is virtual, sessions need to be treated as a real-life meeting: attending the sessions, participating in the discussions and analysis is as vital as reading the materials. 
 
Students are expected to hand in weekly homework that consists of a critical analysis of the materials read that week. Not handing in homework will result in a lower grade. 
 
Furthermore, in consultation with the teacher, students will prepare a final paper. In preparation for this paper students will hand in a proposal during the fourth week and present a summary of their topic during the last week of the class. 
 
In case students have questions, concerns, or wish to discuss their work, they can contact the professor during designated "office" hours. Time and medium of communication will decided on in consultation with the students. 

Literature 

Students will read selections from the following book: 
Hunter, Shireen (ed.). Reformist Voices of Islam. Mediating Islam and Modernity. Oxon & New York: Routledge, 2015. 
Kurzman, Charles (ed.). Modernist Islam, 1840-1940: A Sourcebook. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2002. 
Kurzman, Charles (ed.). Liberal Islam: A Sourcebook. Oxford: Oxford University Press,1998. 
Taji-Farouki, Suha (ed.). Modern Muslim Intellectuals and the Qur'an (Qur'anic Studies Series). Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2004. 
Vogt, K., Lena Larsen & Christian Moe. New Directions in Islamic Thought. Exploring Reform and Muslim Tradition. New York: Tauris, 2009. 
Zaman, Muhammad Qasim. Modern Islamic Thought in a Radical Age. Religious Authority and Internal Criticism. New York & Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2012.