HIST 491T(S) Political Islam: Past, Present, Future (D) (W)
Why have Islamist movements become so powerful in the last 30 years? What are their real political goals? Is political Islam a rejection of modernity, a reaction to Western culture, or an ideology aimed at specific political objectives? Does the rise of political Islam herald an inevitable "clash of civilizations" with the West, or can Islam and the West peacefully co-exist? Questions such as these have become increasingly urgent since September 11. This course will examine the emergence, development, and substantive content of Islamist political movements in the twentieth century. The tutorial focuses upon the emergence of Islamist movements within distinctive political, economic, social and cultural conditions in the Middle East. It will juxtapose analytical readings on specific states or aspects of the Islamic trend with the writings of Islamists and other primary sources. We will look both at Islamist movements active in single states, the wider phenomenon of transnational Islamist politics, and the theoretical and philosophical issues raised by the rise of Islamist movements, to consider both similarities and diversity in Islamic politics. The object of the course is to understand Islamist movements on their own terms, and to be able to make informed judgments about the future of international politics. Because of its comparative approach and its concerns with power and privilege this course is part of the Exploring Diversity Initiative.
Format: tutorial. Requirements: 5- to 7-page essays or 2-page critiques due each week and a final report (3-4 pages) at the end of the semester.
Enrollment limit: 10 (expected: 10). Preference given to History majors and to those who have taken History 207 or other courses on the Middle East.
Group E
Tutorial meetings to be arranged. BERNHARDSSON