RELG 135Religion in the Middle East

Catalog

This course introduces students to the religious traditions and communities of the Middle East, including Shi'a and Sunni Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Zoroastrianism, and the Baha'i faith. The course will provide a broad introduction to how religion has significantly influenced the societies and political institutions of various regions in the Middle East, particularly Egypt, the Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, Palestine, Israel, Iran, Syria and Turkey. Special attention will be paid to the relationship between majority and minority religions and how those relationships have promoted both peace and conflict in the region. The course will also examine the role of religion as a significant marker of individual and collective identity in Middle Eastern society and the challenge of nationhood to religious beliefs and cultures. (CSU/UC)