Islam in America

In this course we will briefly consider the historical origins of Islam, after which we will shift our focus to the beginnings of Islam in America. We will then embark on a thematic examination of issues pertaining to immigration, identity, gender, ethnicity, and generational divide while discussing the constantly changing nature of how Islam is imagined in America by the general public and Muslim Americans. The course will include a 10-day travel element to major hubs of Muslim life in America, including NYC and Houston. Previous background in the study of religion in America, or the study of Islam required. (Not open to students who have already completed RELI 0252.)