Spring 2022

INAF-417: Sharia Law & Its Discontents 

Taught by Jonathan A.C. Brown
Monday 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Healy 104

There are few topics as controversial globally and in the United States as poorly understood as ‘The Shariah’. This course will explore the actual nature and history of the Shariah tradition, with special focus on how it is understood and implemented today. It will also investigate the resonance of the Shariah amongst many Muslim populations.

INAF-426: Catholics & Shia: Discovering Commonalities in Dialogue  

Taught by Rasoul Naghavi Nia
Monday 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Healy 104

This course introduces the history and thought of Shia Islam and Christian-Muslim theological encounters, with particular attention to Shia–Catholic dialogue. The first section will explore diverse expressions of Shia thought in Iraq, Iran, Bahrain, Azerbaijan, and Yemen. In addition to Shi’ite perspectives, we will explore Sunni and Western perspectives.  In the second section we will learn about fostering positive relationships across religious boundaries, looking at specific contemporary Shia–Catholic dialogue initiatives.  We will also study the visits by Pope Francis to the Muslim world, including his recent meetings with Ayatollah Sistani and Ahmad al-Tayyib. In the third section, students will join in real Shia–Catholic dialogues. Each dialogue will feature a Catholic leader and a Shia scholar from a Shia-majority country to learn about their points of disagreement and also opportunities for bridge-building.  This course requires no prerequisites and no language other than English. You will receive a glossary of Arabic and Persian terms.  Each session begins with a lecture.  We will then read through primary sources together. Some sessions will involve student-facilitated discussion.