Examines the idea of jihad and the ways in which Muslims have experienced it and thought about it throughout their history. Jihad is not only an important part of religious doctrine and belief; it has also been an element in the building of Islamic societies and states in many environments over many centuries. The course uses jihad as a key to understanding relations between Muslims and non-Muslims (peaceful and otherwise). It pays special attention to the controversies and debates that have taken place over jihad, both among Muslims and non-Muslims.