This course concentrates on the History of Islam in Southeast Asia and current political and social issues. As a background, students will be presented with a general outline of the history of Islam. The course also examines the development of the central institutions of Islam in the context of that history. Special attention will be paid to the interaction between Islam and Southeast Asian social, political and religious traditions. Attention will also be paid to new Islamic movements elsewhere in the Muslim world and their implications for Southeast Asia.

Tutorial (10%), Essay (50%), Exam (40%). Graduate students attend joint classes with undergraduates but may expect more rigorous assessment and additional assignment work, tailored to the graduate students’ interests. Graduate students may expect a final assignment rather than an exam.

Permission of coordinator

Esposito, J. L., Islam: The Straight Path, Oxford & New York, Oxford University Press, 3rd edition, 1998; Lapidus, I. M., A History of Islamic Societies, Cambridge University Press, 1988; Rahman, F., Islam, Chicago & London, The University of Chicago Press, 2nd edition, 1979; Watt, W. M., What is Islam?, London, Longman, 2nd edition, 1979.