Jihad is an important part of Islamic doctrine and belief. It has also been a major factor in the building of Islamic societies and states in many environments over many centuries. This course examines the idea of jihad and the ways in which Muslims have thought about it and acted on it throughout their history. It uses jihad as a key to understanding relations between Muslims and non-Muslims, in both war and peace. It pays attention to the controversies and debates over this theme that have gone on for many centuries. The course emphasizes two aspects of jihad in particular. First, it considers legal and theological doctrines and their relation to real-time, on-the-ground political and cultural events and changes. Second, it concentrates on the many frontiers, often very different, of the Islamic world over the centuries. Since these frontiers have often been the site of political creativity and religious renewal, we will examine a selected series of frontier states and episodes, from various times and environments.

This course fulfills the Upper-Level Writing Requirement.

Course Requirements:

No substantial and in-depth knowledge of of Islam is required. This course deals with the theme of jihad across a wide spectrum of times and places, while providing basic historical context as needed. To learn more background information, students are advised to take MIDEAST 216/RELIGION 204 “Islam in History.”

Intended Audience:

Upper-level undergraduate students interested in the history of Islamic societies, cultures and movements

Class Format:

Two 90-minute seminar-style meetings weekly.