RELI 368: Islam, Democracy, and Human Rights

RELI 368-001: Islam Democracy/Human Rights
(Fall 2024)

04:30 PM to 07:10 PM M

East Building 201

Section Information for Fall 2024

Islam is a monotheistic religion, but it is not a monolithic one. Like other religious
traditions, it is divided into various sects and encompasses a wide range of interpretations.
This course engages with diverse perspectives to explore how Islam supports pluralism,
freedom, equality, and justice—values that open and democratic societies hold dear. The
course examines which of these values were upheld by the earliest Muslim state
established by the prophet of Islam. Does Prophet Muhammad or the Qur’an, Islam's holy
scripture, prescribe a particular form of state or government? Is there an ideal model for
this purpose? Through a survey of Islamic texts, historical contexts, and contemporary
theological and legal discourses, this course examines how democracy and human rights
are understood within Islam and their relevance to global discussions on justice, equity,
and diversity. Students in this course will engage with the works of leading scholars of
Islam to examine issues related to human dignity, equality, justice, tolerance, freedom of
thought, democracy, human rights, and the rights of women, LGBTQ individuals, and
religious minorities.

Course Information from the University Catalog

Credits: 3

Evaluates the political and religious goals of Muslim societies and governments, and whether these goals are conducive to the development of democratic institutions to promote democratic cultures and explicit support for human rights, as well as to these societies' full integration in an international order founded upon secularism and modernism. Offered by Religious Studies. Limited to three attempts.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Global Contexts, Global Understanding, Just Societies
Specialized Designation: Non-Western Culture
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes.