LAW 724 - Islamic Law in Society

Course Type: Upper Level Elective
Credits: 2

Description: This course introduces students to the Islamic understanding of shari’a (path, “law”) and its role in Muslim culture, history, and society. To be examined are: the key sources of law in the Qur’an and the model of the Prophet Muhammad, the early development of Islamic legal theories and institutions, the roles of these institutions in everyday life, and the struggle to re-imagine Islamic law and its place in contemporary Muslim communities. Case studies include the nature of political institutions, the rights and roles of women, Islamic economics, courtroom procedure, and the standing of shari’a in American courts.