Academics
Islamic World Studies > Courses
The following six courses are cross-listed in the course catalog under Islamic World Studies. There are, however, additional courses in other departments that can be be taken as part of the minor, which are listed further below. Please review the requirements page for details on how to complete the minor.
207 Introduction to Islamic Cultures and Civilizations
Survey of the historical development of Islamic civilization from the seventh through the twentieth century, covering social, cultural and religious developments as well as political history. Topics include: 1) the inception of Islam in the Arabian environment, the rise of Shiism, and assimilation of foreign cultures during Muslim conquests of the seventh and eighth centuries; 2) evolution of religious and judicial institutions, and intellectual and philosophical movements, as well as achievements in science, technology, and art and architecture in the Classical period and during the Gunpowder empires; 3) mysticism or Sufism, studied to understand the diversity and complexity of Islam as a cultural tradition; 4) the challenges of modernity and effects of colonialism on Muslim states, as well as contemporary debates about democracy, women rights and bioethics. (Cross-listed as Asian Studies 207, History 207, and Religion 207. Meets GEC Cultural Diversity Requirement.)
210 History of African American Muslims
This course provides an overview of the history of African-American Muslims. Included is an examination of aspects of the African diaspora related to the spread of Islam; beginning with expansion of Islam to West Africa, and concluding with African-American Muslims in the contemporary U.S. and Islamic world. Students will survey the historical, religious, social, cultural, and political evolution of Islam among the early Africans in the Americas, and African-Americans. The course includes lectures and discussion. (Cross-listed as African-American Studies 210. Meets GEC Cultural Diversity Requirement.)
211 Islam in Africa
Islam in Africa is a comparative survey course on the evolution, dynamics, dimensions and effects of the politicization of Islam in several modern African countries. Case studies include the nature of domestic and international politics on the politicization of Islam in Nigeria, Algeria, Sudan, Somalia, Senegal and Egypt. (Cross-listed as Politics 211. Meets GEC Cultural Diversity Requirement.)
308 Contemporary France
This course will address current subjects of debate in France and study how France has changed (politically and socially) since its major period of decolonization in the 1950s-60s. Particular attention will be given to France’s efforts to integrate immigrants, and specific issues related to French residents of Muslim heritage. Through the reading and discussion of literature and critical essays, as well as viewing current films and internet/satellite news broadcasts, students will gain greater understanding of France’s changing identity. Oral and written competence will be enhanced by discussion, debate, presentation, and writing short papers in French. Prerequisite: FREN212 or equivalent. (Cross-listed as French 308. Meets GEC Cultural Diversity Requirement)
317 Islamic Culture(s) in South Asia
This seminar focuses upon the shared history and cultural heritage of Muslims in the Indian sub-continent. It will cover the Muslim experience from the conquest of Sindh (750 CE), through the medieval and early modern empires, to the events leading to the partition of the Indian subcontinent (1947), bringing the story to the present. Questions of identity/assimilation and integrative processes will be examined through an exploration of political, administrative, intellectual history. The experiences, thoughts, and perspectives of mystics, poets, and women will be highlighted to investigate the role of Indian Muslims in shaping and enriching the culture, society, and religious traditions of the sub-continent. Prerequisite: History 207 or permission of instructor. (Cross-listed as Asian Studies 317, History 317, and Religion 317. Meets GEC Cultural Diversity Requirement.)
325 History of Islamic Thought
By reading and discussing original works (in translation), this course will illustrate spiritual themes, as well as ethical and political theories, espoused by various Islamic scholars and philosophers from the 7th century CE to the present, with a focus on the Middle and Modern Periods (10th cent - present). The readings will include works from the “central Islamic lands” (North Africa, the Middle East, South Asia), as well as works by Muslims in Europe and the Americas. Additionally, the readings will address the intellectual exchange between Muslims and the West, especially during and after the European Enlightenment. By the end of the course, the student will be familiar with the various intellectual developments and currents throughout the history of Islamic civilization, which helped transform Islam from a faith into a model for society and government. Prerequisite: one course in Islam. (Cross-listed as Religion 325. Meets GEC Cultural Diversity Requirement.)
Additional Islamic World Studies courses
ARBC 110 Beginning Arabic I
Students will learn to read, write and understand Modern Standard Literary Arabic, and to use the language in basic conversation, including exchanging courtesies, meeting people, asking questions and providing information.
ARBC 112 Beginning Arabic II
Students will continue to learn to read, write, and speak basic Modern Standard Literary Arabic in a variety of cultural situations. Prerequisite: Arabic 110.
ARBC 210 Intermediate Arabic
Students will advance their knowledge of reading, writing and speaking basic Modern Literary Arabic as well as their understanding of the use of language in cultural context. Prerequisite: Arabic 112.
ARBC 212 Advanced Intermediate Arabic
Students will continue to advance their knowledge of reading, writing and speaking basic Modern Literary Arabic as well as their understanding of the use of language in cultural context. Prerequisite: Arabic 210.
ARBC 310 Study Abroad
Lake Forest College is in the process of investigating an intensive Arabic training program in Tunisia. This is a component that is being prepared for a possible May/June semester to be taken by students in their first or second year of Arabic training.
FREN 330 French Speaking World
This course will familiarize students with the history, politics and contemporary culture of various areas of the French-speaking world (such as in Canada, Africa, the Middle East and Western Europe). Topics will vary, and may include discussion of immigration, women’s issues, political conflict, changing social and national identity. The course will draw from film, literature, critical materials and contemporary news sources. Prerequisite: French 212 or 220. (Meets GEC Cultural Diversity requirement.)
HIST 204 Medieval History
Western European society from the end of Roman rule to the eve of the Renaissance. Intellectual, material, and institutional developments, with emphasis on the creation of a continually progressive and creative civilization from unlikely roots in late Roman society and Germanic tribal chiefdoms.
HIST 248 Crusade and Holy War in Medieval Europe
Medieval Europe experienced widespread debate about the use of violence by Christians. The course considers early definitions of Just War and the attempts by the church to control violence around the year 1000. Detailed examination of the origin of the idea of crusade and the history of the First Crusade (1095–99) from Christian, Jewish, Greek, and Muslim perspectives. Examines the later medieval phenomenon of crusade against other Christians. (Cross-listed as Religion 248.)
POLS 216 Politics of the Middle East
Study will focus on issues of modernization; the nature of Middle East governments; the past and present impact of religion on the region’s culture and socio-political system; the Arab-Israeli conflict and its implications for world peace; and the impact of oil on the economy and regime stability in the Persian Gulf region. (Meets GEC Cultural Diversity Requirement.)
RELG 213 Islam
This course examines the history of Islam, the teachings of different philosophical schools, and the literature of Islamic societies. The roots of the religious tradition as well as its development in different cultural contexts will be examined. Students will read texts drawn from Middle Eastern, Asian, European, and North American Muslim sources. (Cross-listed as Asian Studies 213. Meets GEC Cultural Diversity Requirement.)
RELG 255 Islam and Modernity
The relationship of Islam and the Western World can be understood in terms of a “conflict of civilizations.” This course will explore the history and implications of these two opposing models. The focus of discussion will be not only on the past but also on the present and future possibilities for interaction between the Muslim world and the West. This course is partially funded by a gift from the Islamic Cultural Center in Northbrook, Illinois. (Meets GEC Cultural Diversity Requirement.)
SOAN 322 Sociology of Islam
This course uses the discipline of historical sociology to explore the origins of Islam and the reasons it took the shape it did during its formative years in mid seventh century. It will continue to trace the development of Islam in a variety of different cultural environment. Finally we will deal with the encounter of Islam and the modern world and the formation of fundamentalism, national Islamism and the secular, reform tendencies in that religion. (Meets GEC Cultural Diversity Requirement.)