RWTHx: Facettenreicher Islam – Religionswissenschaft

RWTHx: Facettenreicher Islam – Religionswissenschaft

by RWTH Aachen University

Islam Verstehen: Geschichte und Gegenwart

A comprehensive course by RWTHx

Course Description

"Islam Verstehen: Geschichte und Gegenwart" is an enlightening and comprehensive course offered by RWTHx that aims to provide a foundational understanding of Islam, its rich cultural history, and its contemporary relevance. This course seeks to dispel misconceptions and provide a balanced, realistic view of Islam by offering in-depth knowledge about its core principles, practices, and diverse interpretations.

What Students Will Learn

  • The fundamental beliefs of Islam
  • The life and significance of Prophet Muhammad
  • Islamic practices (e.g., Sharia law, family life)
  • Islamic religion and tolerance
  • Violence and peace in Islam
  • Women in Islam

Prerequisites

This is an introductory-level course, and no prior knowledge or specific skills are required. It is open to anyone interested in learning about Islam, regardless of their background or religious affiliation.

Course Coverage

  • Overview and fundamentals of Islam
  • The Quran and Sunna
  • Prophet Muhammad's life and importance
  • Central religious beliefs and practices
  • Islamic law (Sharia) and its application
  • Family structures and daily life in Islam
  • Relationship between Muslims and non-Muslims
  • Secularization and Islam
  • Potential for violence and peace in Islam
  • Diversity within Islam (e.g., Ahmadiyya community)
  • Women's position in Islam

Who This Course Is For

  • Students interested in religious studies or cultural anthropology
  • Non-Muslims seeking to understand Islam better
  • Anyone looking to broaden their knowledge of world religions
  • Individuals wanting to combat prejudices and misconceptions about Islam
  • Those interested in interfaith dialogue and understanding

Real-World Applications

  • Promoting interfaith understanding and dialogue in diverse communities
  • Enhancing cultural sensitivity in professional settings
  • Improving communication with Muslim colleagues, friends, or neighbors
  • Contributing to more informed discussions on Islam in social and academic contexts
  • Developing a more nuanced understanding of global affairs and conflicts involving Islamic countries
  • Combating Islamophobia and promoting religious tolerance

Syllabus

Week 1: Overview and Fundamentals

  • Introduction to Islam
  • The Quran and Sunna
  • Prophet Muhammad's life and significance
  • Central religious beliefs and practices

Week 2: Islamic Life

  • Sharia (Islamic law)
  • Family structures in Islam
  • Daily life and practices

Week 3: Islam and the World

  • Relationship between Muslims and non-Muslims
  • Secularization and Islam
  • Violence and peace potentials in Islam

Week 4: Diversity in Islam

  • Introduction to Islamic diversity
  • Case study: The Ahmadiyya community

Additional Topic (Week 5): Women in Islam

  • Exploring the position of women in Islamic societies
  • Contemporary debates and perspectives

This course is part of the "Introduction to Theology" series, which includes other courses on Biblical Theology, Historical Theology, Philosophy of Religion, and Practical Theology aspects.

Similar Courses
Course Page   RWTHx: Facettenreicher Islam – Religionswissenschaft