Peace has been a central concept in Islam from its inception, addressed extensively in the Qur'an and the sayings and doings of the Prophet. Throughout Islamic history, philosophies of peace and conflict resolution have been important parts of this tradition. As in the Bible and in Judaism and Christianity, peace thought and practices have co-existed with ideas about war. With regard to the study of Islam, however, academic scholarship has been one-sided in concentrating on war. This course attempts to address this imbalance through a series of case studies. It surveys ideas of peace the late antique world, in the Qur'an and early Islam, and in medieval Sufism. The course then addresses the age of European empire and Muslim peace movements, from Gandhism to Senegalese Muridism. It concludes by looking at modern Muslim conflict resolution and youth movements.

Course Requirements:

Class attendance and participation, which is mandatory, and written assignments

Intended Audience:

Upper-class History majors

Class Format:

Seminar