This week sets the foundation for the rest of the course, so take your time working through the materials.
Start with the above uploaded lecture, then move to the Required Readings under Content, then take a look at the Session 1 and Session 2 materials. Treat them as connected, not separate.
This week is about thinking through key questions and noticing differences across the materials, not just memorizing definitions.
This week begins our exploration of Political Islam by focusing on key concepts, definitions, and historical grounding. Throughout the course, you will engage with readings and videos, respond to discussion questions, and contribute through presentations and peer comments.
Each week is organized into two sessions. You are expected to work through all materials and approach them as part of a connected discussion rather than separate tasks.
You will complete a weekly discussion based mainly on the required materials and engage with your peers by commenting on their responses.
If you are assigned a presentation for a session, you will upload your video and respond to others’ presentations. If you are not presenting that week, you are still expected to watch and comment on your peers’ work.
This week centers on foundational questions:
What is Political Islam?
How do we define Islam in political, social, and historical contexts?
How should we understand the MENA region and the emergence of Islam?
Session 1 focuses on defining Political Islam through different scholarly perspectives. Session 2 places these discussions in a broader historical and regional context.
✔️ Watch the lecture video
✔️ Complete required readings (check syllabus)
✔️ Complete Session 1 or 2 materials (if related to your discussion response)
✔️ Submit your discussion response
✔️ Comment on your peers
✔️ Complete your presentation (if assigned)