Muslims of the US

Looking at both historical and lived realities of Muslims in the US, we will cover sites from the African Burial Ground in lower Manhattan to the Women’s Mosque in California. The course will engage both with cultural production, such as music, plays, and street art, and living communities around the country. The course will attempt to cover a diversity of voices and perspectives. It is important to understand how context plays a role in the interpretation and practice of religion, as well as to witness the tension between theology and manifestation of belief.

We are not interested in determining if a particular understanding is right or wrong. Rather, we want to understand the roles religion plays in society and for the individual. You will be expected to be critical and engaged. My hope is that you will also be creative and daring, and push us all into a better understanding of the material.