Introduction to Topics in History (292-0-24)
Topic
Islamism: Conceptualizations, Variations, Interpre
Instructors
Henri Lauziere
847/467-3654
Harris Hall - Room 333
Henri Lauziere is Associate Professor of modern Middle Eastern history, with a focus on Islamic intellectual history. He is the current Alumnae of Northwestern Teaching Professor (2020-23) for teaching excellence.
Meeting Info
Kresge Centennial Hall 2-343: Tues, Thurs 3:30PM - 4:50PM
Overview of class
This seminar provides an accessible yet in-depth look at the brand of Islamic theorization and activism best known in English as Islamism. We are going to examine the historical origins of that movement (which are not as clear-cut as one might assume), how it changed over time (and why), and how the different ways in which analysts conceive of Islamism inform the value judgements they make about it. Our main geographical focus will be the Middle East, with an emphasis on Egypt, and course materials will include a combination of scholarly works on Islamism and primary sources in translation. The seminar proposes that Islamism represents not the politicization of Islam, as is often claimed, but rather the ideologization of Islam. What that means, and why this is an eminently modern phenomenon, are issues that students will be asked to read, think and write about.
Learning Objectives
(1) Introduce students to the historical studies of ideas and systems of thought; (2) Understand different modern conceptions of Islam, how they differ from one another, how they relate to context in which they emerged, and how they translated into reality; (3) Prepare students for the challenge of reading and analyzing primary sources in non-Western intellectual history; (4) Develop written and oral communication skills with a view to making persuasive and original arguments; (5) Assess the ways academics have studied Islamism
Evaluation Method
Three short thought papers (35%); final paper (40%); participation (25%)
Class Attributes
Historical Studies Distro Area