This course comprehensively examines Islam in Europe. Given the post-WWII migration flows from Muslim majority societies to Europe, Europe has increasingly become a site for interactions between Muslims and European citizens, who have differing faiths, political experiences, languages, and intellectual traditions. These encounters are often characterized by tensions and misunderstandings. The encounter has given birth to what some call Western Islam or European Islam.The study of Islam and Europe has thus become part of both Islam(ic) studies as well as European studies. The course offers a comprehensive introduction to these themes, drawing from philology, theology and philosophy as well the humanities and social sciences -- history, sociology, international relations, and anthropology. It begins with historical context, and then explores case studies of the presence and diffusion of Islam to the different parts of wider Europe. Lastly, it returns to the study of contemporary themes: religion and secularism, secularization, faith and modernity, integration, multiculturalism, radicalism, Islamophobia, the arts, and the rise of a European Muslim culture and identity. Short film documentaries and a fieldtrip to the Grand Mosque of Rome supplement the course material.

After completing this course, students will be able to:

o   Understand the issues related to Islam and Muslims in Europe, from historical, theological, political, and socio-cultural perspectives, including their juridical implications;

o   Recognize and evaluate the courses themes as they manifest themselves in individual countries, which are related to its history, political system, and socio-cultural dynamics;

o   Develop comparative analytical skills;

o   Develop a balanced view of Islam in Europe, rooted in historical and comparative context;

o   Communicate their own views effectively, based on political and historical knowledge.

o   Use research and analytical skills in their future studies and professional careers.

ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS AND EXAMINATION POLICY

Class Participation, for which attendance is fundamental, is 15% of the final grade. You get two “free” absences, after which they will start to pull down this part of the grade. When taking one of these free absences, you may attend class remotely. 

You cannot make-up a major exam (midterm or final) without the permission of the Dean’s Office. The Dean’s Office will grant such permission only when the absence was caused by a serious impediment, such as a documented illness, hospitalization or death in the immediate family (in which you must attend the funeral) or other situations of similar gravity. Absences due to other meaningful conflicts, such as job interviews, family celebrations, travel difficulties, student misunderstandings or personal convenience, will not be excused. Students who will be absent from a major exam must notify the Dean’s Office prior to that exam. Absences from class due to the observance of a religious holiday will normally be excused. Individual students who will have to miss class to observe a religious holiday should notify the instructor by the end of the Add/Drop period to make prior arrangements for making up any work that will be missed. The final exam period runs until ____________