The Anthropology of Islam
Professor Nada Moumtaz
Comparative Studies 4655
Class #27169
TuTh 9:35-10:55AM Smith Lab 3082
With ISIS and Boko Haram in the news almost daily, it is difficult to imagine what Islam could be otherwise. This course introduces students to the many different facets of Islam that the anthropology of Islam depicts. Anthropologists take pride in learning the languages of the communities they study and spending extensive periods of research with them, and have therefore a very different perspective to give than mainstream media. This course answers the questions: How do anthropologists study Islam and what have they taught us about Islam and the ways Muslims live as Muslims? We will first explore the different approaches anthropologists have used to study Islam and place these approaches within the larger trends in the discipline and the ways they have analyzed religion. In the second part, we will turn to contemporary ethnographies of Islam around key themes like gender, economy, medicine and science, and secularism. We will read examples from the variety of places where Muslims live: from the Arab world, Turkey, Iran, and central Asia, to South and South East Asia, to West and East Africa, to Europe and the US. We will read mostly articles and book chapters, in addition to one ethnography. Students will also engage in an ethnographic project in a Muslim community in Columbus.
Central Asia in World Affairs
Professor Hulkar Matchanova
Class #32414
International Studies 4253
WF 12:45-2:05PM
Located in an important geostrategic position between Russia, China, Southern Asia and the Middle East; with extensive natural resources; Central Asia has found itself at the center of world attention in the aftermath of September 11th.
Living Jerusalem
Instructor Noura Dabdoub
International Studies 4200
Class #32330
MW 9:35-10:55 AM
The Living Jerusalem class will be offered Spring Semester 2016 at OSU. Students in the Living Jerusalem class have the unique opportunity to study Jerusalem’s multiple histories, religions, cultures, and contemporary political issues. The class will develop weblogs and participate in several video conferences with individuals in Jerusalem. Students are encouraged to participate with their thoughts on the issues surrounding Jerusalem. No background knowledge of Jerusalem is necessary and each student’s perspective will be respected. The Living Jerusalem class is listed as International Studies 4200 and meets on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:35-10:55 AM.
The Living Jerusalem study abroad tour to Jerusalem is scheduled for May 2016. Students who take the Living Jerusalem class are eligible to apply for the Living Jerusalem study abroad program. The tour application deadline is November 1, 2015. Please see Living Jerusalem for more information.
Contact
Noura Dabdoub, J.D.
Living Jerusalem Project Lecturer and Resident Director