Spring 2011 REL 376 Islamic Ethics

The course is a survey of the various modes of ethical thinking and lived practice within the Islamic religious and intellectual tradition. We will explore the Qur’anic ethical viewpoint, ethical life built on the imitation of the Prophet’s example, and religious, theological, philosophical, political and mystical ethics. Though our study deals primarily with exploring these various ethical modes, for the purpose of the term paper project students will be required to choose a topic of their own choice, of historical, theological or contemporary significance, and apply one or more of these modes to it. Towards the end of the course we will also explore how these ethical modes have fared or were transformed in the modern period. This is a seminar course and requires active participation of students in weekly discussions.