Sufism and Islamic Mysticism
Spring, 2006

Religious Studies 3520, CRN: 16019
Tuesday and Thursday 1:00-2:15
Aderhold Learning Center 329

Course Description

In this course we will examine the various ways in which Islamic mysticism has been expressed over the course of more than fourteen centuries. We will focus on Sufism, although not all Islamic mysticism falls under that exact rubric. This course surveys the rise of ascetic and mystical tendencies in Islam, the historical development of Sufism, the flowering of Sufi brotherhoods, and some of the central ideas of Sufism. We will try to understand why Sufism has been (and remains) so attractive to Muslims for over a millennium, as well as to non-Muslims today. Also examined are the anti-Sufi polemics of reformers and fundamentalists in modern times, the continuing importance and vitality of Sufism in the late twentieth century, and the spread of Sufism to the United States. Through readings and videos, this course presents various Sufi practices such as dhikr and sama`. Throughout the course Sufi poetry and prose will be presented for analysis and aesthetic appreciation.

No prior knowledge of Islam required

• Michael Sells, Early Islamic Mysticism
• Elizabeth Sirreyeh, Sufis and Anti-Sufis:
• Seyh Galip, Beauty And Love (Mla Texts and Translations), translated by Victoria Rowe Holbrook
• Farid al-din Attar, The Conference of Birds (Penguin Classics) translated by Dick Davis
• Some additional readings will be available in a Electronic Reserves for this course
  .

Reading will be required as per the course schedule

1. There will be two papers due over the course of the semester. These are relatively short papers, in the 5-7 page range. One of the papers will be on a topic of your own choosing. The other will be on a topic that I assign.


2. You will be asked to find five websites on Sufism that you like, and write one paragraph descriptions of each of them. Due Tuesday, September 24.


3. There will also be a group project, which will be on a topic agreed upon by the group and me.


4. There will be other, smaller, assignments, given throughout the semester.
Grading

Participation in Class Discussion	20%
Website Reviews	5%
Two Papers	30%
Group Projects	10%
Midterm	15%
Final Examination (Tuesday May 2, 12:30 p.m.)	20%

Attendance

Attending class is not mandatory, although handing in the written assignments and participating in class discussion is. I will be noting attendance, and those who do not attend, and therefore cannot participate, will be graded accordingly.

Makeup policy

Tests and papers will take place according to the course schedule. In case of major medical or other emergency, for which there is documentation, please speak to me. Papers that are late will be docked 5 points a day from the due date. There are no exam makeups except in exceptional circumstances

Shy Policy

I realize that some students do not feel comfortable speaking in front of others. If at all possible, I want to encourage you to do so in any case. However, if it is too painful, please come and speak to me during office hours, and we will agree on alternative ways for you to participate.




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