LAWS 662 - Islamic Law

Credits: 2

Though often maligned and misunderstood, Islamic law is one of the longest enduring and most widely subscribed systems of law in the world. This course will give students a firm grounding in the sources, principles, concepts, and terminology of Islamic law as well as an in-depth review as to its history and role in the contemporary era.

Students will gain practical insights into the sources and constructs of this religious-based legal system, including the substantive difference between Islamic Shari'ah and Islamic jurisprudence, as well as an in-depth analysis of the Qur'an, the Tradition of the Prophet Muhammad, as well as the various rational constructions devised by jurists and eminent legal scholars, the Islamic schools of law, differences between Shi'i and Sunni Islamic law, the historical demise and the modern resurgence of Islamic law, and Islamism as well as examination in the context Islamic fundamentalism, the law of war and modernism.

Finally, students will gain an in-depth understanding of selected aspects of Islamic constitutionalism, Islamic criminal law, and how classical and contemporary Islamic law comports with international human rights law as well other contemporary issues.

Basis of Grade: 85% final exam; 15% class participation

Form of Grade: Letter

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