Term: Fall 2018
Semester Dates: August 29, 2018 – December 14, 2018
Course Number: REL 330 (MSU) | RL ST 107 (Penn State)
Times: Tues/Thurs 4:30-5:50 EST
Professor: Mohammad Khalil | khalilmo@msu.edu
This course aims to provide students with a working knowledge of the religion and civilization of Islam. In addition to identifying the core beliefs, practices, scriptures, and sentiments that have defined Muslim communities, we will look at those issues that have formed the focal point of ongoing debate and disagreement in the history of Islamic thought. We will also visit a number of the “major” communities in their historical encounter with Islam. The course will conclude with an examination of the encounter between Islam and modernity, and Islam in theWest (specifically, the U.S.).
The course meets twice a week in real-time using dynamic video-conferencing technology. In order to enhance the distance learning experience, Penn State students will study with a local adjunct professor and Prof. Khalil will visit the Penn State campus at least once during the semester. The course follows the host institution calendar and begins on August 29, 2018. Students may attend initial sessions remotely.
Students are able to enroll directly at the Penn State University for course credit. For more information about this course, including textbook information and instructions on enrolling, please contact Jonathan Brockopp (jeb38@psu.edu).
About the Instructor: Mohammad Hassan Khalil is an associate professor of Religious Studies, an adjunct professor of Law, and Director of the Muslim Studies Program at Michigan State University. Before returning to his hometown of East Lansing, Michigan, he was an assistant professor of Religion and visiting professor of Law at the University of Illinois. He specializes in Islamic thought and is author of Islam and the Fate of Others: The Salvation Question (Oxford University Press, 2012) and editor of Between Heaven and Hell: Islam, Salvation, and the Fate of Others (Oxford University Press, 2013). In 2015 he was a recipient of the Michigan State University Teacher-Scholar Award.
Hosting University:Michigan State University
Participating University: Penn State University
Academic Calendar: The course will follow the host campus’ academic calendar.