Judaism, Islam, and Other Religions from the Near East

Catalog description

This course examines Judaism and Islam within the framework of comparative study of religions. It investigates the historical origins, roots, and developments of Judaism and Islam, their sacred texts as the bases of their laws, rituals, values and material culture. It explores interactions among the traditions, as well as with other religions and considers how such interactions influence the ways Jews and Muslims live in contemporary times. Secondary attention will be paid to Middle Eastern Christianity, Zoroastrianism, Ba'hai, or other aspects of the religious life of Israel, North Africa, and the Middle East.