This course explores the historical, political, social, and cultural aspects of Islam in East and Southeast Asia from the medieval period to the present day. The mechanisms of the spread of Islam in the region, as well as its interaction with local societies, their religious traditions, and their way of life are analyzed. The course analyzes various Muslim practices, cultures across time and space, as well as how different communities of believers, Islamic scholars interpret Islamic ideas and practices in the context of East and Southeast Asia. The course applies historical and anthropological perspectives to provide an insight into the ideas of Islam, their various interpretations, and the complexity and variability of religious practice and culture in East and Southeast Asia. The course will provide knowledge about Islamic art and architecture, and their changes throughout the Islamic history of East and Southeast Asia. The course will highlight significant aspects of the state policy towards Islam in East and Southeast Asia and the adaptation of Muslims in the region, their religious practice, and their culture to new conditions. Some lectures and seminars of the course will be devoted to the development of Islamic practice and culture in East and Southeast Asia in the modern period. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to develop a critical and detailed view of religion in opposition to the orientalist and essentialist portrayal of Islam as a homogeneous and stagnant entity. They will gain knowledge on Islam, local Islamic practices, and culture in East and Southeast Asia. The course combines lectures and seminars, which introduce empirical data and methodological approaches.
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Students are expected to attend lectures and seminars. The course consists of 13 lectures (13 hours) and 13 interactive seminars (13 hours) involving discussions of the readings, individual and group assignments. For both lectures and seminars, students are expected to read materials specified below. In this course, students will read a combination of book chapters and journal articles. These readings will be used as basis for class discussions. Students will also develop their analytical and critical writing skills while working on final paper. Regular, active and informed participation is expected. 60% Assessment will be based on attendance, preparation of readings, participation in class discussion with the focus on qualitative contribution to the discussion, ability to answer questions based on the readings, come up with own interpretations and react to comments made by other students. Final paper (3000 words): 40% The final paper should relate to any aspect of the course. It can be a critical review of the existing literature on a specific topic, or an original piece of research (format and topic need to be approved by the instructor). The final paper is due by the seminar 12.
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