The religion of Islam was founded roughly 1440 years ago in Arabia. Since that time, Islam has grown into the world's second largest religion with adherents found around the globe. Over the past years, knowledge of Islam, its history, culture and people has become vital role in political situation and recent events (Revolution, fundamentalism, suicide bombers, and women’s veil) that affect our daily lives. But are they truly representative? How do they fit into the history of contemporary Muslim society? An Introduction to Islamic Civilization and culture will provide a background and broadened perspective of these facets through readings classroom lectures, visual and audio media. We will discuss and apply the historical, geographical and ethnographical highlights within a modern cultural context.
This is not a course dedicated solely to the Modern Middle East. Instead we will be looking at the length and breadth of the Muslim world. In particular, we will focus on the role of social, cultural and intellectual institutions in the development of contemporary Muslim society. In addition, we will explore issues such as gender, class, race and inter-religious relations as a way to better understand the Islamic past and present. In briefly this course provides an introduction to Islamic culture and the Muslim World, the beliefs, including the social, political, and spiritual aspects.

Instructional Methods
1. Presentations by the instructor, Multimedia presentations
2. Videos
3. Discussion.