INTRODUCTION TO ISLAMIC MYSTICISM

Catalog description

Not open to students with credit for GIS 3640 or GIS 3642.This course offers an introductory survey of Sufism or Islamic mysticism, focusing on its fundamental ideas, practices, institutions, and its impacts on the literary and social life of Islamic world. Its main concern is to develop an understanding of the mystical perspective that has influenced the outlook of much of world's Muslim population. While the course requires no prior knowledge of Islam, some familiarity with its essential doctrines would be helpful. The early lectures will review Islam doctrinal issues pertinent to a proper contextual understanding of Sufism. Consequently, the term's work will be limited to the following 6 broad segments: 1) Introduction to Sufism; 2) Basic Themes in Sufi Thought; 3) Historical Development; 4) Sufi Piety and Practice; 5) Sufism and Islamic Mystical Literature; 6) Sufism as a Social Phenomenon.Faculty: STAFF