ISLAM IN AFRICA AND THE DIASPORA

ENGL 374

Explore classic literary and cultural texts from three regions: Africa, the Caribbean, and African America. Consider the origins and evolution of the African diaspora, and the many forms of its expression. Consider how the African diaspora has shaped US society today, exploring significant themes such as slavery and colonialism, race and cultural identity; intra-racial/cultural and cross-continental alliances and antagonisms; gender and genre; and the paradoxical fate so far-cultural visibility but peripheral political and economic power- of global Afro-cultures. Think about how African-American writers have been influenced by the experience of the African diaspora, and also about the ways that cultural expression from around the world has shaped US culture.

AFRICAN/JEWISH/MEDIEVAL/RELIGST 462

Explores the historical relationship between Muslims and Jews in a variety of contexts from the seventh century to the present. Surveys literary and cultural exchanges against the background of shifting political and social conditions across the Middle East, Europe, and the United States. Considers also the parallel legacies of anti-Semitism, Orientalism, and Islamophobia. Major themes include comparative religion, secularization, migration, and colonialism, as well as the politics of history and cultural memory. Introduces readings in English translation of medieval and modern texts originally written across languages, and especially in Hebrew and Arabic.

AFRICAN/INTLST 302

An introduction to the most significant topics of contemporary Arabic literature and cinema. Discuss the legacy of colonialism, repressive nature of post-independence regimes, discourses on nationalism, religion vs. secularization, gender relations, representation of cultural otherness, and the Arab Springs. Materials will be drawn from a variety of cultural forms including literature, film, music, and performance; and scholarship, exploring the social, cultural, political, and economic contexts in which texts and films are written and exhibited.

AFRICAN/ASIAN/RELIGST 370

The emergence and development of Islam; schism; theology; asceticism; speculative and popular mysticism; literatures in diverse Islamic languages. Not open to students with credit for LCA 370 prior to Fall 2019.

AFRICAN/RELIGST 408

Explore the diverse lived experiences of religion in Africa, examine the role of religion in shaping individual and communal identities, and understand the complex ways in which religion is practiced, experienced, and expressed in various African contexts.